GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – JROTC students from Greenbrier East and Greenbrier West High Schools will participate in wreath-laying ceremonies to honor Greenbrier County veterans on Friday, Dec. 13. Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.” Every December, remembrance wreaths are made and placed on the graves of the nation’s heroes.
This year, one day prior to National Wreaths Across America Day, local students will join all 50 states in remembering veterans with a wreath that symbolizes honor, respect and victory. Each wreath will be handcrafted by students from fresh-cut trees at West Farm in Frankford. This Friday, the wreaths will be placed during ceremonies at six local cemeteries. Locations include Rosewood Cemetery, Greenbrier Memorial Gardens, Mapledale, Rainelle Historic Cemetery, Wallace & Wallace Memorial and Sewell Valley Cemetery.
Each wreath is evergreen in color, which represents longevity and endurance. The forest scent suggests purity and simplicity. The red bow attached signifies great sacrifice while the circular shape of the wreath symbolizes eternity. Each handcrafted remembrance wreath consists of 10 Balsam bouquets, each of which has a special meaning that embodies the qualities of every veteran. They are:
1. Their BELIEF in the greater good
2. Their LOVE for each other
3. Their STRENGTH, work ethic & character
4. Their HONESTY and integrity
5. Their HUMILITY, selflessness & modesty
6. Their AMBITIONS and aspirations
7. Their OPTIMISM for America
8. Their CONCERN for the future
9. Their PRIDE in their duties
10. Their HOPES and DREAMS that didn’t always come true, but left them with no regrets
The remembrance wreaths placed in Greenbrier County as part of this year’s Wreaths Across America are a result of the collaborative effort of CTE (Career Technical Education) classes carpentry and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) who are making the presentation materials, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Afterschool Program students making the wreaths, and JROTC demonstrating respect for veterans and responsible citizenship. Wreaths Across America was founded in 2007 to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine wreath maker Morrill Worcester in 1992. For more information, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org
