SUFFOLK, Va.--Active-duty service members, veterans and civilian volunteers gathered at the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery for the 11th annual wreath-laying event Dec. 15.
The wreath-laying event was organized by the nonprofit Horton Wreath Society to honor fallen service members by placing live wreaths on their graves.
Guest speaker Rear Adm. Charles W. Rock, commanding officer of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, believes annual events like the wreath-laying ceremony are good opportunities to educate younger Americans about veterans and the importance of service.
“The important thing about doing these ceremonies every year, is that we continue to remember and continue to honor [our veterans],” Rock said. “The individuals that are here have been committed to this nation for most of their lives.”
Despite cold and wet weather, volunteers and family members diligently placed wreaths on every tombstone.
“The rain has been pretty bad, but it is a small price to pay,” said Information Systems Technician 1st Class Brianna Hockett. “When I placed a wreath on a tombstone, I felt a great sense of honor.”
Hockett hopes that her fellow volunteers leave knowing they participated in something greater than themselves.
Wreath layers with family members interred at the cemetery placed their wreaths first, followed by other volunteers.
Volunteer Paul Galloway attended the event to honor his father, a 26-year Marine Corps veteran who passed away in 2008. Galloway believes it’s important to take the time to honor and remember him.
“A lot of us lose focus and take for granted what the military service does for us,” Galloway said. “People put their lives on the line every day. It’s three hours that we can set aside and focus on that.”