Wreath Across America
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| Andrew Keller |
| 12/12/2009 |
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| Christmas isn`t just a time for giving, it`s also for friends and family, but for the families of fallen soldiers, it`s a time to remember their loved ones who won`t be with us this year. At the North Dakota Veteran`s Cemetery, people came out in droves to show their support to the men and women who have served our country, and they didn`t seem to care it was a blistery cold on Saturday. "There`s an empty plate at Christmas, at Thanksgiving, everyday, there`s an empty plate, but we love our boys for what they`ve done, and we know they`re in a better place." Emotions flew at the North Dakota Veteran`s Cemetery Saturday as families and friends recognized the veterans` that have served and sacrificed. The Bismarck Civil Air Patrol conducted a Wreaths Across America ceremony at the cemetery, and even though the weather was frigid, people showed their support. "Christmas time is special in that the absense of a veteran is especially feld during the holidays, and because Christmas is so family-centric and so community-centric, when that veteran is missing, the best way to remember them is to remember their sacrifices and take time out with a Christmas wreath to put on their grave," says Bismarck Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Sean Johnson. This charitable organization has the mission of remembering and honoring our veterans, and teaching future generations about their sacrifices. For families like the Scheeler`s, who lost their son at a young age, the wreath symbolizes heroism. "You know these people that are out here have kept America free." For Shelli Hilfer and Mary Weiand, the wreath symbolizes Christmas cheer. And they say the support received from those at the event Saturday goes unmatched. "Makes you feel good, because, like I said, we`re a military family, so it makes you feel good to have them here for us," says Mary Weiand. And for the mothers who have lost their sons as they fought for our freedom, the wreath symbolizes never forgetting what their sons have done for this country and their ultimate sacrifice. "I guess I can speak for not only our family but the rest is that they`ll never be forgotten, the sacrifice that they made, and something like this, to see the people come out, is really neat and it means a lot." "Sad to have to lay a wreath by our loved ones, but we`re just happy that we can have a place to do it." And for the 2700 wreaths placed on the headstones across the cemetery, it symbolizes remembrance for all of the vets that have made America free. |
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