Saturday, January 18, 2025
RENO — Wreaths Across America Day is an annual day of respect for U.S. military service members across the nation. During this year’s Dec. 14 event around 3 million wreaths were placed on the graves of deceased veterans in ceremonies taking place in 4,909 locations, including Azleland Memorial Park. This local event was led by United States Deputy Commander of the 315th Airlift Wing Col. Steven Priest, who recognized and honored veterans, both living and dead, for their contributions to the country. Priest spoke, introduced veterans, and led the crowd in prayer.
Priest and other speakers emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by these individuals, highlighting the freedoms they protect. Heard throughout cemeteries across the nation, seven tolls of a bell symbolized different aspects of service, such as camaraderie, patriotism and respect. Priest introduced active and retired veterans who laid a wreath for members of each branch of the military and the 93,129 servicemen and women who are missing in action or were last known as prisoners of war.
Participants, including Cub Scout Pack 303 from Springtown and Longhorn Council 435 from Eagle Mountain, were instructed to place wreaths on graves, ensuring each veteran's name was spoken aloud and thanked. The event underscored the significance of continuing to honor and teach future generations about the cost of freedom.
“Everybody should do this,” BSA Tenderfoot Izabella Nanni, age 11, said. “It is very respectful, and it is a great way to remember the veterans who have served us.”
Nanni’s scoutmaster and father Eric Nanni, who is an Air Force veteran, said Wreaths Across America Day offers a great opportunity to teach youths about honor and respect.
Students from Azle High School’s Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and a volunteer nonprofit student organization were major contributors to the event, placing the bulk of the wreaths on the hundreds of veteran’s graves marked with red flags in Azleland.
