Olive Branch participates in Wreaths Across America

A first for the City of Olive Branch will take place on Saturday, when the first “Wreaths Across America” event will take place at Blocker Cemetery.

Wreaths Across America (WAA) is meant to be a tribute to veterans by placing wreaths at their gravesites across the country on Saturday. About 3,400 participating locations are involved and Olive Branch is taking part for the first time. 

Wreaths Across America remembers the fallen, honors those who serve and their families, and teaches the next generation the value of freedom.  

Ed and Dianna Crumpler are credited with getting Olive Branch involved in Wreaths Across America.  

The Crumplers traveled with the WAA group last year to lay wreaths at numerous locations throughout the country. It made a huge impact on them and they encouraged the city to have a WAA event at Blocker Cemetery, which is owned by the city.  

Blocker Cemetery is the final resting place for 242 veterans. Many of them have loved ones that still call Olive Branch home. 

A goal of selling 250 wreaths through the Wreaths Across America website was exceeded by 16. 

At the Olive Branch ceremony on Saturday, Command Sergeant Major Finis A. Dodson, a native of Olive Branch and a graduate of Olive Branch High School, will be the keynote speaker.  Dodson is with the Space and Missile Defense Command in Huntsville, Alabama.  

More information about the program is available on the Wreaths Across America website.