INSPIRASUNS

If you have read this little blog for long, you know that one of the organization’s my husband and I support is Wreaths Across America. Each year on the third Saturday of December, WAA makes the drive to Arlington National Cemetery with full-size semi trucks filled with handmade wreaths. These wreaths are placed on the graves of veterans. This tradition has spread across the country over many years, and every national cemetery now works to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran buried there. It’s a very large goal but every year we get closer and closer to having a wreath on every grave.

This weekend, (tomorrow) is Wreaths Across America Day, and my husband and I are making the trip to Tampa to place a wreath on my father’s grave. I have to say though, this is more than just placing a wreath on the graves of our veterans. This is about remembering them, honoring them for their service and never forgetting the sacrifice they made to protect the freedoms that our country was founded upon.

The mission of the organization is simple – “Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom”. When the day begins, volunteers are instructed on how to properly place the wreath, meaning you don’t just lay it down and walk away. You place the wreath at the base of the headstone and say the name of the individual out loud thanking them for their service. This makes placing the wreath a personal act. What I love about this day is the number of children and youth that participate and the families that come together to take part. It’s always heartwarming to see so many come together.

So this weekend, and every weekend we honor those who have served this nation, we say thank you for service, and with respect we say their names and remember.

Father, thank you for our veterans, and for those in active service. We ask, for those still in active duty that you protect them as they serve, give them courage in all situations, and may they be guided by your spirit as they protect the freedoms of this nation. Father may we always remember those who gave all for this nation, and never forget the sacrifices made. May we honor them each day, and especially this weekend by saying their name. This we ask in your Son our Lord, Jesus Christ’s holy name. Amen.

Have a great day friends.