Graves to be decorated

By Melinda L. Lucas

The phone number for volunteers to call if they want to help to lay wreaths on local veterans’ graves later this month was incorrect in last week’s paper.

Those who want to participate in the Dec. 18 National Wreaths Across America Day are asked to contact Saundra Nobles at 325-280-7725.

This is the second year that the Albany community has honored veterans buried at the Albany cemetery. Melinda and Henry Musselman have spearheaded the project, with Nobles’ assistance.

Nobles is again asking for volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 18 to place the 525 fresh green wreaths on local graves.

Last year, there were 491 wreaths placed, but in addition to several veterans who have passed away in the last year, there were also a few whose graves  weren’t identified as veterans, and they have also been added to the list.

Nobles said she has the cemetery divided into 18 sections and has organized the distribution differently so it will be easier this year.

Several of the people who volunteered last year have again offered to help, but more hands will be needed both for placing the wreaths and then picking them back up three weeks later.

Anyone who would personally like to place a wreath on the grave of a family member or friend can contact Nobles to make arrangements for placement. 

Nobles can be reached at 325-280-7725 to add or verify a specific veteran on the list, or to volunteer to help place or remove wreaths. 

A brief ceremony is set to begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Albany Cemetery pavilion before the wreaths are placed on the graves. 

Dan Key will play Taps at the ceremony and pastor Sonny McCauley, now of Breckenridge, will give a short presentation of remembrance. Both Key and McCauley are veterans.