Clarksville VFW hosts Wreaths Across America to honor veterans

“Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Please join me in a moment of silence to remember the fallen, the prisoners of war, the missing in action, and honor those who have served and are serving this great nation’s armed services.”

The post chaplain said a prayer for those there and those who have gone before. The group said the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. VFW Post Cmdr. Herbert Everette had put the U.S. flag and the POV/MIA flag on his truck.

He said, “Thank you for joining us here today. Right now, across the country at more than 1,100 memorial sites like this one, we are gathered as one nation to remember, honor and teach. We are proud to be Americans that live in a society made up of many people, from many walks of life. Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who have their lives so that we can have freedom—and without fear. We can worship as we see fit. We can raise our children to believe as we do.”

Joining him was Helen Raffle. She said, “The United States of America was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice and equality. Our nation stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free and we shall not forget you. We shall remember.”

Mary T, noted that, “There are many men and women serving today in all branches of the military here at home and in places far away that most of us have never heard of. These men and women are part of the best-trained, best equipped force in the world. We honor them and their families for the sacrifices they made each day to keep our country safe from terrorism, hatred and injustice.”

Hammuck concluded the ceremony by saying, “Today we show a united front of gratitude and respect across the U.S. as we remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom.

The group then moved to the five tombstones of the Civil War soldiers who are buried in the cemetery. Herbert said there are more, but these were the ones they have found so far.

Everette said they are planning a larger celebration for next year. They are working with the Greenwood Cemetery administrator and the American Legion to locate all 312 veterans who are interred at the cemetery. They are going to launch a fundraiser to buy wreaths for all those veterans’ graves and they will enlist the help of local students to place those wreathes during next year’s Wreaths Across America ceremony.

He then wished that everyone have a Merry Christmas.