Every December, all 50 states take part in the national Wreaths Across America event to pay tribute to deceased veterans.
Wreaths Across America lays wreaths on headstones at national cemeteries, and more than 1 million volunteers are expected help.
The Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery is set for 11 a.m. Saturday to remember and honor America's veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves.
This event has grown from its first year, in 2012, when they laid close to 300 wreaths. This year they are expected to lay more than 2,000 wreaths, but to accomplish that, they need volunteers.
“The purpose of that is to honor, remember, and to teach," said Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery on-site representative Freddie Medina. "Not only is this a way to remember and honor the nation's fallen, but it's also to teach the next generation about the sacrifices made.”
“Even if you don’t have any veterans in your family, I would invite the public to come and join us placing the wreaths for every veteran's headstone,” said Medina.
If attending, guests are asked to arrive early, as parking within the cemetery is very limited.
“We are expecting in between 2,000 to 2,500 people, and we are putting about 2,650 wreaths for every gravesite,” said Medina.
There will be additional parking at the Tuloso-Midway Primary School at 3125 Deer Run Circle.
This year, the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery teamed up with the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority to help shuttle those who will be participating in this year’s event.
The public is invited to attend and participate in the event at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, located at 9974 I-37 Access Road, and those looking to volunteer and help can notify the cemetery staff at (361) 248-4830.
Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. More than 2 million wreaths will be placed on markers across more than 2,000 locations this holiday season.
For more information visit: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/
