Wreaths placed on veterans’ graves
By Donnie A. Lucas
Over 525 Christmas wreaths were placed on the graves of local veterans at the Albany Cemetery last Saturday during the second annual observance of Wreaths Across America Day.
More than 50 volunteers and another 15 to 20 family members of veterans spread out to place the fresh green wreaths with red bows on local graves. This is the second year Albany has participated in the program.
A brief ceremony was held at the pavilion at the cemetery prior to distributing the lists of recipients to the volunteers. Veteran and former resident Sonny McCauley delivered a brief message, while Daniel Key, also a veteran, played Taps.
“It all went really well,” co-organizer Saundra Nobles said. “Everyone showed up to help who said they were coming even with the cold weather we had.”
The local event was started last year by Henry and Melinda Musselman who covered the cost of the wreaths. The couple provided the wreaths again this year.
Nobles was enlisted to help locate and document the graves of veterans last year, keeping the same organization role this year. She was in charge of sectioning off the cemetery and assigning volunteers.
Family members of deceased veterans were also invited to place a wreath on their own relatives’ graves.
“I think we had twice as many people volunteer as last year,” Melinda Musselman said. “We were so glad to see that because we want this to be a community-wide observation, so the more people who become involved, the better. We hope to see this grow.”
She added that participating in the event is an important way to honor the memory of veterans.
“It turned out wonderful and grew from last year,” Musselman said. “This is a powerful way to honor those who helped provide the freedom that we all enjoy.”
The wreaths will remain in place for about three more weeks. Musselman already has volunteers lined up to collect the wreaths in mid-January when the holiday season is over.
Anyone who feels that a veteran might not have had a wreath placed on his or her gravesite can contact Nobles to update the list for next year.
Nobles can be reached at 325-280-7725.
