Local 'Wreaths Across America' events honor veterans
At memorials and cemeteries across the country, hundreds of thousands of people paid tribute to our veterans by taking part in Wreaths Across America Saturday.
It’s been more than four years since Sherry Riley Bryant’s husband, John Riley, a Marine Corps veteran passed away suddenly.
“It’s hard. I’ll have to admit it’s very tough to do this but it’s something," said Bryant. "It’s a gift for me to be able to do it for him. To respect him and honor him.”
Every year since Bryant has laid a wreath on his headstone as part of Wreaths Across America at Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.
“He was very proud of serving and he was proud of our country,” said Bryant.
She and thousands of volunteers take part in the ceremony to honor those who have served and are serving in different branches of the military. They then spread out throughout the cemetery to place over 1700 wreaths on headstones.
Charlene Stell's parents are buried at Oakwood.
“They paid a price for us to be able to live in a free country," said Stell. "To respect and honor them is something we should do all the time and not just at Christmas.”
It’s the tenth year Oakwood has taken part in Wreaths Across America.
For some, this was a chance to teach their children how important it is to honor those who have served.
“We are trying to impart that to the youth so that they can understand this is the best country in the world and it’s not for free," said James Glenn with Wreaths Across America. "It should not be taken for granted.”
Those with loved ones buried here like Bryant said it means a lot to see so many people take time out of their lives to honor our military.
“It’s very humbling," said Bryant. "It’s very humbling to see the outpouring of everybody recognizing our servicemen during the holiday.”
Some people from the Triangle also took the trip to DC to volunteer at Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery.
Over 250 thousand wreaths were laid on headstones there by over 70,000 volunteers.
