December 14, 2013 started for most in our Country as an ordinary Saturday morning. But for many it started with a trip to Military Cemeteries across the U.S. to Honor those who have served our Country and gave their all. Now I have never been to one of these Wreathes Across America Ceremonies and believe me when I tell you there is no greater blessing then to be there to Honor those men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms. It was amazing to be a part of such a great thing.
One of the amazing scenes I seen that day and was so grateful to be a part of was watching these young boys and girls ages ranging from 8 to 18 years old honor these Men and Women. They are The Young Marines of Pensacola. Now if you have never seen a Young Marine then you are missing out. They are a fabulous Youth group that spreads across all 50 states and was founded by The Marine Corps League, and are based on the morals and values of The Marine Corps itself.
To see these young boys and girls come out and honor each grave site by kneeling to the grave and placing these beautiful Wreathes down on the headstones and then standing at attention and saluting them would bring anyone to tears. But to see these boys and girls themselves have tears in their eyes because they know what each of these Soldiers sacrificed so that we could be free. Then during the ceremony watching each Young Marines walk their Wreathe to their respected stand in each service. As I watched one of our littlest of Young Marines walk with the POW Wreathe to its respectable stand, as he approached I saw this frail older lady whose son or grandson was a POW receive this Wreathe. It truly was amazing to see this and to hear the excitement in all of their voices as they were so proud to be able to be part of this.
But of course with happiness also comes sadness. I did not have the honor or privilege to meet this Young Marine as he had already graduated from the Young Marines and choose his path to join the Marines Corps. LCPL. Travis Nelson was one of the very first Young Marines to join the Pensacola Young Marines Unit and one of the first to graduate the program. He is also one of the many who gave his all so that we could have the freedom we have. So as I was happy to be a part of this beautiful ceremony with these wonderful Young Marines, my heart ached for those who all stood together and place one on his grave with tears of sadness.
Wreathes Across America is something of true greatness as they Honor so many with just a simple gesture of a Wreath, but also to so many it is something more. To a mother who is grateful for a son and his sacrifice but heart stricken from the pain of his loss. To a widow whose Husband fought so many years ago and is remembered by those who didn’t even know him, but to them he is a hero. Or to a Young Marine who gets to be a part of something so admirable and can see first hand what something as simple as a Wreath can do for so many. And to the Veteran who fought many years ago and still fights that war every day inside of their own mind. I know each and every one of those Young Marines who were able to be a part of Wreathes Across America were proud of each Wreath they placed on each headstone, as well as each salute they gave to every service persons grave.
Written By: Shannon . Dill
Wreaths Across America Article
Submitted on April 27, 2014