On Saturday, the wreath laying event at the Fayetteville National Cemetery in Arkansas was sobering, powerful, meaningful and well-attended.
While I had heard about the event from others who had attended in the past, it was one of those things that until you experienced it yourself, you simply cannot understand. The emotional air that wrapped around each person attending was palatable. This was a homecoming of sorts - there were many veterans that supported the event in one way or another.
Honoring and remembering those that have gone before them - a common bond of service. So many people (more than 1000 I am sure) gathered.
And, for such a large crowd, the silence spoke volumes.
Family, friends and community all gathered for one purpose. It was a time for reflection, silent prayers and deep appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our nation's service members and their families.
It was wonderful having Congressman Boozman as the guest speaker. He traveled from Fort Smith to Fayetteville Saturday morning, after laying a wreath on his own father's grave. The "community" of volunteers (many of which were Walmart associates) carefully placed wreaths on each and every gravesite. In a very short time, green wreaths with red bows covered the cemetery. Each person leaving the cemetery on Saturday had been touched deeply. I now understand what others tried to explain.
Wreaths Across America's mission of remembering, honoring and teaching reached every person attending this event on Saturday. We had the opportunity to say thank you to those that have given so much to serve our country and to protect our freedom.