Ft. Mitchell Cemetery Celebrates National Wreaths Across America Day

FORT MITCHELL, Ala. (WTVM) - The Fort Mitchell National Cemetery observed National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday afternoon.

A day of remembering, honoring, and teaching the young generation the value of freedom. Hundreds of family members gathered at the Fort Mitchell National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 14. for National Wreaths Across America Day. The Location Coordinator for the Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery, Karrie Schwerin and Assistant Cemetery Director Greg Smith says this is a way to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“It’s to put wreaths on headstones of veterans at national cemeteries all over the world,” said Schwerin.

“We don’t wanna forget we don’t forget those is not here anymore. We always remember them and never leave a soldier,” said Smith.

After the ceremony, families are able to place wreath on their loved ones grave. The wreath laying procedure is a sentimental moment where the family receives a wreath, say the veterans name out loud, and place the wreath on the grave.

Although those who attended Saturday’s ceremony honored their loved one, every family has a different story. Samantha Anderson from New Orleans described her families unique story.

“His body was misplaced due to Katrina, it hit the funeral home where his body was. It was destroyed. He was found three miles away from where the funeral home was. We were able to find a funeral home here (FT. Mitchell) that received his body and assisted us with getting him prepared to let him to rest and we ended up bringing him here,” said Anderson.

Anderson’s father Samuel Lewis was one of 9,000 out of 12,100 graves to receive wreaths this year, a 2,500 decrease in wreaths from last year.

Officials with Wreaths Across America urges the community to donate to prevent another shortage next year. Wreaths can be purchased until January 15.

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