By Tabitha Evans Moore | EDITOR & PUBLISHER

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — Greater than themselves – these were the words read by local Wreaths Across America volunteer Brandi Smith this morning at a wreath-laying ceremony at Lynchburg Cemetery and Highview Cemetery. The event happened simultaneously with dozens around the country as part of Wreaths Across America. In total, over two million volunteers gather at more than 4,600 cemeteries across the United States.

Smith told the crowd that the Wreaths Across America mission held a special place in her heart as the “proud mother of a son serving in the United States Air Force, and the granddaughter of two veterans one of foreign war, who answered the call to defend this great nation.”

Morrill Worcester founded Wreaths Across America in 1992 thirty years after a memorable childhood experience at Arlington National Cemetery.

“A young Morrill Worcester stood at Arlington National Cemetery, deeply moved by the rows of graves and the solemn beauty of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” Smith explained to the crown of over 50 locals on Saturday morning.

That moment stayed with him throughout his life, Years later when his wreath-making business faced a holiday surplus, Worchester seized the opportunity to give back.

“What started as a single act of kindness has grown into a nationwide movement,” Smith said. “Communities across America now come together each December to honor the men and women who have fought to preserve the freedoms we hold dear. And just as Morrill never forgot the lesson he learned as a boy, we must carry forward this mission, ensuring that the next generation understands the price of the freedoms they enjoy.”

Local organizer Justin Whalen then explained to the crowd the wreath laying protocol. All wreaths get laid in the center of each grave, red ribbon at the top – a nod to the uniform rows of graves seen at Arlington.

Numerous locals made advanced reservations to lay the wreath at the grave of their loved ones. Others were laid by dozens of local volunteers. In total, around 255 wreaths were placed to honor veterans on Saturday. According to local organizer, John LaCook several others were identified during the process this years and his group is taking steps to make sure each local vet is identified and honored.

“We’re going to use a drone to GPS map the cemeteries so that we know exactly where each is located for the future,” LaCook told The Times.

Wreaths Across America happens each year in Lynchburg on the second Saturday of December. If you would like to learn more about the program or donate, you can do so at this link. The Jack Daniel Distillery is the corporate sponsor of the local Wreaths Across America efforts. •

{The Lynchburg Times is a locally-owned and locally-operated community newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee and one of the few women-owned newspapers in the state. It’s owned by a Tulane University-educated journalist with over 20 years of experience. We’re supported by both readers and community partners who believe in independent journalism for the common good. You can support us by clicking here. }