The General Daniel Smiths Rock Castle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is seeking help in setting a record for the number of wreaths placed at the National Cemetery in Nashville.
Wreaths Across America remembers and honors veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes.
The local effort is part of the larger Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) annual Wreaths Across America campaign.
DAR sets a day each year for the wreath-laying tradition to happen at more than 1,200 locations all across America.
The Nashville National Cemetery located in Madison has approximately 36,172 local heroes interred at that location. Sadly, last year they received only a little over 1,110-holiday wreaths to honor the men and women who gave their all for our freedoms.
DAR hopes to change that by providing a record number of wreaths this year to be placed.
A ceremony to place the wreaths will be held on Saturday, December 14, starting at noon at the Nashville National Cemetery. The remembrance wreaths will be placed by volunteers, many of whom are families of veterans.
The Wreaths Across America ceremony is open to the public and volunteers are welcome to participate in laying the remembrance wreaths on the marker of a fallen hero. As the wreath is placed, the volunteer will say the name of the fallen hero, to ensure that the legacy of duty, service and sacrifice of that veteran is never forgotten.
DAR is an organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for our children, according to the website.
Cornerstones of DAR is remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve and teaching the children the value of freedom.
The local Chapter, which meets near Andrew Jackson’s plantation the Hermitage, is passionate about supporting active-duty military and veterans, serving on veterans’ committees that sponsor parades and other patriotic events.
Volunteers also assist with military ceremonies of remembrance that are held at local VA facilities.
Anyone wishing to support DAR Wreaths Across America effort and the General Daniel Smiths Rock Castle Chapter by sponsoring a wreath for the Nashville National Cemetery ceremony on December 14 can do so through their website by December 2.
For those wishing to honor a friend or family member in another federal cemetery location, there is a provision on the website to designate that location and the remembrance wreath will be delivered there for laying.
Remembrance wreaths are made in the U.S.A. of Maine Balsam and tied with a red velvet bow.
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Laura Baigert is a senior reporter at The Tennessee Star.
Photo “Daughter of American of Revolution” by Daughters of the American Revolution.
