Olive Branch observes Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America (WAA) is a nonprofit organization that honors and remembers U.S. veterans by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at veterans’ cemeteries across the country and overseas.
Founded in 2007, WAA stems from a tradition started in 1992 by Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company, who donated surplus wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery to honor veterans.
National Wreaths Across America Day is held annually on a Saturday in December designated by Congress, when volunteers place wreaths on veterans’ graves at participating locations, including Arlington National Cemetery and over 4,000 other cemeteries worldwide.
Saturday, Olive Branch took a moment to be involved in the National Wreaths Across America observance for the third year. A ceremony was held at Blocker Cemetery, where 252 veterans are buried. Another three veterans rest at Payne Cemetery in Olive Branch.
The program, held at 12 noon on Saturday, featured state Rep. Rodney Hall as a speaker. Hall’s military background spans nearly two decades of service in the Mississippi Army National Guard. His military career began at age 17 when he enlisted as a Military Intelligence code linguist in the 20th Special Forces Group. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became a U.S. Army Paratrooper. Hall later received his commission as an Infantry Officer with the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, serving as an Infantry Platoon Leader, Company Commander, and Battalion Executive Officer.
Hall has deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to Syria. His latest deployment this summer at the conclusion of the legislative session took him to Europe.
“The theme for Wreaths Across America this year is to live with purpose,” Hall said. “It asks us to reflect on how we are living, how we are serving, and how we are ensuring that the sacrifices that they made for the state, nation and country, our future, does not go in vain.”
Emily Pike opened the ceremony with a vocal rendition of the National Anthem after the colors were presented by the Olive Branch High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC. Pastor Doug Bell of CrossPointe Church provided the invocation and Taps were played by DeSoto County Supervisor Mark Gardner and Chris Loftis.
Dianna Crumpler had urged the city to be involved in Wreaths Across America three years ago and she provided the instructions for the volunteers.
Crumpler and her husband, Ed, played a pivotal role in bringing the Wreaths Across America initiative. Inspired by their experience traveling with the organization to lay wreaths at national cemeteries across the country, the couple approached city leaders, to establish a local Wreaths Across America event.
As the volunteer took a wreath to a gravesite, they were to place it on the headstone, step back, pause, and speak the name of the veteran. Each headstone had been marked for each volunteer ahead of the ceremony.
“The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember, honor, and teach,” said Mayor Ken Adams. “Remember the fallen, honor those that serve, and teach the next generation.”
