MADISON, Wis. — Volunteers and military families joined together at Forest Hill Cemetery on Saturday to honor fallen solider members as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.
The event began with a ceremony hosted by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and all Madison Veterans Council organizations. Afterwards, participants laid wreaths on the graves of fallen service members — some belonging to a loved one or family member, others simply soldiers not to be forgotten.
“I don’t know these people,” Stacy Weise, a volunteer, explained. “But when you lay a wreath down and you actually say thank you, and you say their name, you feel a connection and you know you’re doing a great thing.”
Saturday’s ceremony was Forest Hill Cemetery’s 12th year participating in the annual Wreaths Across America event. For many of the local volunteers, laying wreaths has become a holiday tradition.
“We do this every year and we’ll do this next year,” Ton Trimble of the 6th Wisconsin Light Artillery said. “We’ll be here, rain or shine, and everyone and anyone is welcome. ”
Wreaths Across America’s goal is to “remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom,” according to the organization’s website. “When the kids come, that’s when it means the most,” Weise said.
The holidays are a time meant to be spent with family, which can be a painful reminder for many military families who have lost a loved one. Volunteers said laying wreaths is all about reminding those families that they aren’t forgotten.
“To see the graveyard with so many wreathes — it’s amazing to know those people did not get forgotten,” Weise said. “These people need to get recognized for what they do.”
So far, 101 wreaths have been sponsored at Forest Hill Cemetery this year. Those looking to get involved with the cause can visit Wreaths Across America’s website.
COPYRIGHT 2020 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
