More than 600 wreaths placed in Valentine area to honor veterans, service members
VALENTINE, Neb. - On a chilly Saturday morning, volunteers in the Valentine area came together to place more than 600 wreaths on graves in honor of veterans and service members. The event was part of the nationwide Wreaths Across America initiative, which saw participation from more than 4,900 locations across the country.
“There are millions of Americans gathering safely as one nation to remember, honor and teach,” said American Legion Post 90 Commander Monty Krueger.
After a brief ceremony, young children placed wreaths on graves, alongside their parents, grandparents and local veterans.
“We’re all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people from many walks of life. The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. Lying here before us in the cemetery, and throughout the nation, are men and women who gave their lives,” said Krueger.
The event began more than 30 years ago when Morrill Worcester, a wreath maker from Maine, used a single truck to deliver 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. While initially unnoticed, the effort gained national attention in 2005 when a photograph of wreaths resting on snow-covered graves at Arlington went viral.
“We can see today what this has turned into for the country—a time to recognize and remember all of our heroes with little gestures of gratitude,” said Krueger. “This day is important because it allows us to remember the sacrifices made by so many to defend our freedom and country. I think a lot of people take for granted the things that they have in life, like the ability to go to the grocery store for food that is on our tables and to be able to go on vacations because we have a job.”
