Annual wreath laying to be held at Beaufort National Cemetery

December 13th is National Wreaths Across America Day at Arlington National Cemetery and 5,200 other locations, a day when more than three million veterans will be honored. Almost a million volunteers take the time to “Remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom,” by placing wreaths on veterans’ graves.

For centuries the wreath has been a symbol of victory, honor and eternity. These wreaths are fresh evergreen. The red bow symbolizes sacrifice; the greens symbolize endurance and the circular shape - eternity. There is no religious significance.

At Beaufort National Cemetery on the morning of the ceremony, trailer trucks arrive, loaded with thousands of wreaths and accompanied by scores of motorcycles. Following a solemn ceremony, wreaths are distributed, each wreath is reverently placed against a tombstone, and the individual’s name is said aloud. For the last four years, every grave has received a wreath, thanks to individuals and participating organizations.

The number of volunteers who make this event a success is amazing. Represented are civic organizations, church groups, scouts, military and families. David Edwards, who has been the Local Volunteer Coordinator for nineteen years, has seen tremendous growth in participation.

David says, “I do this to honor our veterans at Beaufort National Cemetery who gave us a great way of life in this country.”

President Abraham Lincoln created Beaufort National Cemetery in 1863. It began as a burial site for patients from local Union hospitals during the Civil War. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, buried there are veterans of the Civil War, the Spanish American War, and more recent conflicts, making this a truly hallowed place. This historic site on Boundary Street in Beaufort is the final resting place for over 28,000 veterans and their families.

Since 2017, Sun City residents have been involved in raising funds and participating in the wreath laying. Starting with 1,600 wreaths, last year 56 neighborhoods donated over $86,000.

The Sun City Veterans Association (SCVA) Color Guard proudly participates in the ceremony. “I went to visit my father’s grave at Christmas time in the Sarasota National Cemetery. It had been decorated with a beautiful wreath, along with all the graves in the cemetery. A stunning sight. I’ve been committed to Wreaths Across America ever since,” said Bill Field, SCVA Color Commander.

Sun City resident Larry Hyatt, a veteran himself, is honored to play Taps at the ceremony. The Nurses Honor Guard, a retired nurses association, also participates. Susan Lazarcheck, a member of the group, said, “For me, participating in Wreaths Across America is a way to honor the men and women who fought for my freedoms. I am privileged to live in America and enjoy a life of freedom because of the sacrifices made by those who fought for my rights.”

The donation for a wreath is $17. For more information or to donate, contact Andy Hoerner, andyhoerner@gmail.com. For more information about the program, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.