Volunteers lay Wreaths at Veterans Cemetery

Photo By Sgt. Gabriel Villalobos | Wreaths laying on the headstones of fallen veterans at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas, Nov. 25 2023. Central Texas State Cemetery has interred approximately 14,000 Veterans and family members to date. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gabriel S. Villalobos)  

KILLEEN, TX, UNITED STATES

11.27.2023

Story by Sgt. Gabriel Villalobos 

III Armored Corps

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas – A wreath laying ceremony to honor Veterans took place at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery Saturday morning.
Wreaths were prepared the week prior to Thanksgiving and are laid at approximately 11,000 graves by families, servicemembers and volunteers.
The tradition started in 2007 when the Wreaths Across America organization sent six wreaths to be laid at the cemetery. While laying these six wreaths, Jean Shine believed there should be a wreath at every grave and the local community supported this goal. Jean has since become the president of the Wreaths for Vets organization and with the backing of the community, continues the tradition of wreath laying every year.
Among the attendees was Lt. Gen. Sean C. Bernabe, the Commanding General for III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos. Him and his fellow servicemembers escorted the Gold Star Families in attendance to place wreaths at the cemetery’s memorial in an act of deliberate remembrance, with hundreds following, ready to show their support for the Veteran community.
“This is my second year being part of this and I’ll tell you what,” Bernabe shared during his opening remarks, “I am impressed at the support; the number of people out here; the support given by the volunteers from this amazing Central Texas community. Thank you all for helping to honor these veterans year after year.”
“This community is the most patriotic community in the United States,” said Jean. “They love the military and mostly they know what they’ve done and the community appreciates that.”
It was a solemn event, many tears were shed throughout the process of honoring each Veteran laid to rest. The overarching impression was not of sadness though many grieved for their loved ones.
“Someone said to me, it must be so sad,” said Jean. “I said no, it’s the most heartwarming thing you’ll ever experience. Because every single person here is here to honor those that are buried here and across the United States.”
Whole families lined up, each man, woman and child grabbed a wreath to honor those who served.
“One day, I’ll be out here,” said Phillip Tucker, a local Veteran. “ I hope one day someone comes and puts a wreath for me”.
The sentiment that this tradition proves that Veterans are not alone even after death.
“You know people who love you,” said Phillip. “That's what it means, a lot of people love Soldiers and their families and know the sacrifices they’ve gone through.”
An event that provokes these emotions are a testament to this community’s support of the military community.
“Every tombstone has a story.” said Jean. “ It's an attempt to honor that story, that's why we are here.”

• Date Taken: 11.27.2023
• Date Posted: 12.08.2023 11:51
• Story ID: 458639
• Location: KILLEEN, TX, US