Volunteers across the nation will be honoring its fallen warriors by placing wreaths on their tombstones, with the goal of carpeting the country’s military cemeteries as a tribute. This year, the cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill are participating in the program—called Wreaths Across America—to honor more than 1,000 local veterans.
In a recent Facebook post, the nonprofit announced community members sponsored a wreath for every veteran buried in Gilroy and Morgan Hill. Volunteers will place the wreaths on the graves during ceremonies, which will be mirrored at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, on Dec. 13.
“It’s very touching people responded so overwhelmingly in support of this effort,” said Gilroy Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Turner, who is helping coordinating the program locally. “Although we’re laying these wreaths on veterans’ graves, I think it says a lot about our community—those who responded and see the value of what these men and women have done. We’re the beneficiaries today of their sacrifice. Those sacrifices continue to be made by military men and women and their families. This is an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to them.”
The nonprofit will distribute approximately 700 wreaths at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery and Gavilan Hills Memorial Park, located at 1000 First St., and an additional 300 to Mt. Hope Memorial Park in Morgan Hill, located at 250 Spring Avenue. Ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., and will include a color guard flag presentation, performance of patriotic songs, comments by local leaders and the playing of “Taps.” The ceremony will conclude with the laying of the wreaths by family members of fallen veterans, service members, Boy Scots, volunteers and other community members.
“We can’t do enough to remember our fallen heroes and honor those who served,” said Phil Garcia, board president of the South Santa Clara Valley Memorial District. ‘This is such a wonderful way to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms.”
Though all the wreaths have been sponsored locally, Wreaths Across America is accepting donations to cover the cost of next year’s wreaths. Those interested in volunteering—volunteers are always needed, Turner added—can contact Turner or the Morgan Hill coordinator, Tere Johnson, at mt*****@gi****.org or te**********@ao*.com.
