Photo gallery: Wreaths Across America in Willard
More than 600 veterans in the Willard area were honored and remembered this past Saturday as part of the Wreaths Across America special event.
"Thank you to everyone who helped lay wreaths..." the Willard City Schools Community Honor Committee said in its update on Wednesday via social media.
National Wreaths Across America Day took place at 4,909 participating locations nationwide, organizers announced.
“Millions of volunteers — a third of whom were children — remembered our nation’s heroes as they said their names out loud, with the placement of over three million sponsored veterans’ wreaths,” they said.
“The wreaths placed today are a catalyst; they bring together communities, families and strangers to learn about those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom,” Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America, said in a statement.
“Thank you to all the volunteers across the country for their gift of time and for living the year-round mission to Remember, Honor, Teach everyday,” she added.
For centuries, fresh evergreens have been used to symbolize honor and a living tribute renewed annually.
“Wreaths Across America believes the tradition represents a living memorial that honors veterans, active-duty military, and their families,” national organizers detailed. “When volunteers say the name of a veteran aloud while placing a wreath, it ensures they live on in our hearts and memories and are always remembered.”