South Carolina National Guard honors fallen at state house Wreaths Across America ceremony

News: South Carolina National Guard honors fallen at state house Wreaths Across America ceremony

South Carolina National Guard

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Capt. Jamie Delk

Service members from South Carolina National Guard participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the State House, Dec. 5, 2011, as part of the Wreaths Across American campaign.

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The images of veterans cemeteries with rows of headstones graced with evergreen wreaths and bright red bows are a solemn reminder of the sacrifices of the military. As many Americans begin the holiday season with gift buying and parties, there are still thousands of families missing a loved one who paid the ultimate price and won’t be coming home for Christmas.

At the South Carolina State House Dec. 5, local veterans, community leaders and military personnel joined to lay a wreath at the Veterans Memorial in Columbia. The event marks the beginning of the Wreaths Across America campaign, where volunteers lay wreaths in remembrance of all soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who served, to honor their sacrifice and teach younger generation of the high cost of freedom.

Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston Jr., the adjutant general for South Carolina, joined Brig. Gen. Scott Williams, commander, 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, at the ceremony to place the wreath. The evergreen wreath was adorned with small flags from each of the branches of service. This is the third year for the ceremony at the state house and part of a nationwide simultaneous ceremony.

Wreaths Across America began 20 years ago when the Worcester Wreath Company from Harrington, Maine, began a tradition of placing wreaths on the headstones of the military fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2011, it is projected Wreaths Across America will donate more than 400,000 wreaths that will be placed in all 50 states and 24 foreign locations.

“During this season, it is fitting we remember all veterans who gave of themselves for the high cause of our nation,” said Livingston. “It is significant we lay a wreath in memory of all who paid the ultimate price.”

Fort Jackson National Cemetery, as well as other national cemeteries throughout South Carolina will begin laying wreaths at the headstones of the fallen Dec. 10.

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