Wreaths Across America & Naval Base Kitsap Honor Fallen Service Members

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Wyatt Anthony | 171216-N-VH385-0099 BREMERTON, Wash. (Dec. 16, 2017) Chief Navy Career Counselor Sandra Lewis, a native of Ecuador and assigned to Naval Base Kitsap, and her daughter, lay a wreath on the grave of a fallen service member during Ivy Green Cemetery's 6th annual celebration of Wreaths Across America. Wreaths Across America annually provides wreaths to honor and remember fallen service members during the holiday season. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Wyatt L. Anthony/Released)  

BREMERTON, WA, UNITED STATES

12.16.2017

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Wyatt Anthony  

Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

BREMERTON, Wash. (Dec. 16, 2017) – More than 50 service members teamed up with volunteers, and more than 35 other organizations to lay wreaths on the gravestones of veterans in recognition of 26th annual Wreaths Across America Day at Ivy Green Cemetery in Bremerton, Wash., Dec. 16.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun in 1992. The mission of "Remember, Honor, Teach" is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies on a specified Saturday in December at Arlington, as well as veterans' cemeteries in all 50 states and beyond, to remember America's fallen heroes, honor those who serve and teach children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.

“We are gathered here today at this memorial site, and at memorial sites all across America, to remember that we are one nation with one flag,” said master of ceremonies, and retired senior chief petty officer, Mick Hersey. “We are laying these wreaths today to ensure that [our veterans] are remembered, and not just today, but everyday. Today we join with others in more than 1,400 cemeteries across the United States to remember the fallen and honor those who have served.”

The laying of the ceremonial wreaths at all locations coincides with the laying of the ceremonial wreath upon the "Tomb of the Unknowns" at Arlington National Cemetery, also called "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier", with every location holding a moment of silence together in remembrance of those lost.

“This ceremony serves as a reminder that amidst whatever challenges our nation faces, we recognize the importance of pausing to reflect on the past, gain inspiration and renew our courage,” said Capt. Alan Schrader, commanding officer of Naval Base Kitsap and the keynote speaker of the ceremony. “Today is a day to remember, to honor and to teach. We remember those who donned the uniform of our country, their service, sacrifice and achievements are commendable and heroic, and each day we enjoy freedoms that were made possible by their actions.”

During the ceremony, a service member from each branch of the U.S. armed forces carried a wreath, decorated with a red bow, to the cemetery's tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument, and rendered a salute. Afterward, wreaths were placed at the headstones of veterans interred across the cemetery.

“Ivy Green Cemetery is now the final resting place for approximately 500 veterans,” said Schrader. “As we pay our respects and honor these veterans, we must also remember that each one of them was an individual who had a family and friends, and left a legacy of their own. The veterans here represent all who have served our great nation. We are a better community and better nation because of them.”

Ivy Green Cemetery has a large military section, honoring fallen men and women of all services. Of the 4,000 gravesites in Ivy Green Cemetery 486 are veterans. This year marks the 6th year that Ivy Green Cemetery has participated in Wreaths Across America.

• Date Taken: 12.16.2017
• Date Posted: 12.16.2017 16:33
• Story ID: 259232
• Location: BREMERTON, WA, US