2016 is the third year that FCC has had the honor of sponsoring and transporting “Remembrance Loads” for Wreaths Across America. This year, we have two trucks, driven by FCC Veterans, involved with delivering the wreaths to cemeteries across the Midwest.
- Larry Powell, is an honorary escort in the truck convoy that will be delivering directly to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington VA. Larry is a Vietnam Veteran and will be participating in the National Wreath Laying Event on Saturday, December 17th at this location.
- Bobby Thurston, who is also a Vietnam Veteran, delivered to military cemeteries in Wisconsin and Iowa with the final destination of Fremont NE for delivery to Memorial Cemetery.
National Wreath Laying Day is Saturday, December 17, 2016.
On Saturday, December 17th, the Fremont chapter of the Civil Air Patrol will be hosting a Wreath Laying Ceremony in Fremont, NE at Memorial Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. to coordinate with other organizations throughout the nation. The ceremony with veterans, active duty personnel, and local dignitaries will be held at the Wall of Honor which is located at the 23rd street entrance to the cemetery. The ceremony includes laying of ceremonial wreaths honoring each branch of the Armed Forces at the wall, presentation of the colors by the Honor Guard and concludes with a 21 gun salute and taps. The ceremony is very moving and the public is invited to attend.
Our truck is scheduled to arrive at the cemetery at 9:00 a.m. on December 17th with 1,157 wreaths to be placed on veterans graves. The boxed wreaths will be unloaded and staged throughout the cemetery by the Air Patrol Cadets. At the conclusion of the ceremony, volunteers are needed to help place the wreaths on the veterans graves. If you are interested in attending and volunteering to place wreaths, dress warm and arrive 10 – 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony to place your name on the volunteer list and receive instructions. Please note, there is a scheduled funeral at the cemetery the morning of the ceremony. The caretaker of the cemetery is stating that it should be concluded around 10:30 a.m. so parking may be limited inside the cemetery prior to this time.
FCC is extremely proud to be supporting the mission of Wreaths Across America. We think it is important to honor those fallen veterans, our nation’s heroes, and remember the sacrifices they made for our country. Delivering, laying wreaths, and paying tribute is just a small gesture and we are honored to be a part of it.