Wreaths Across America Ceremony Brings Community Together in Ridgeland
RIDGELAND, SC – On a chilly December 14th morning, residents of Ridgeland gathered with warm hearts and a common purpose: to honor the brave veterans who served our country. Among the attendees was Pat Frederico, a dedicated volunteer from Sun City, who made her way to the Ridgeland Cemetery, where 235 veterans are laid to rest. She placed a beautiful wreath on the grave of World War II veteran J.E. Horton Jr., demonstrating her respect and gratitude.
Connecting with the Past
Even though Frederico never met Horton, she felt a strong pull to participate in the Wreaths Across America ceremony. “I was in the Army myself,” she shared, recalling her time at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, where she worked in management information systems within the human resources department. “It was a wonderful experience for me and I still have friendships from those days.” Her commitment to honor veterans is evident as she stated, “I am committed to doing this and any way I can support veterans, I will.”
This year, Frederico and her husband decided to join the Ridgeland ceremony after several years of attending similar events at the Beaufort National Cemetery. “We felt like this was an opportunity to be with the folks in Ridgeland, in a town we have really learned to love since we’ve moved to the area,” she said. With a smile, she added, “There’s always plenty of volunteers at the National Cemetery, and we wanted to support those who are recognizing our veterans here.”
Remembering Loved Ones
Another participant in the ceremony was Celeste Lucas, a Ridgeland native. She placed wreaths on the graves of both her husband, Harvey Lucas, a U.S. Army and National Guard veteran, and her father, James Taylor, a Navy veteran. She has been involved with the Wreaths Across America event in Ridgeland since its inception many years ago. “We come out here to remember,” Lucas said, her voice filled with emotion. “We like to say their name and that it will not be forgotten.”
Lucas stressed the importance of teaching the younger generation about the sacrifices made by veterans. “The younger generation needs to know that if it had not been for those who served, we would not be living in a free country,” she emphasized.
A Community Effort
Ridgeland Wreaths Across America Coordinator Richard Dean mentioned that the ceremony this year honored all 235 veterans in the Ridgeland Cemetery. “Part of our mission here is to remember the fallen, honor those that served and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom,” he stated during the ceremony.
As a special occasion in a small town, the event drew the attention of local leaders like Tommy Rhodes, a member of the Ridgeland Town Council. “This event is to remember all of those who have gone on before us,” Rhodes said. “It’s important, especially for the younger people, so they won’t forget, and we won’t forget or take it for granted.”
Students Carrying the Torch
The event not only honored veterans but also involved local students from Thomas Heyward Academy, who placed wreaths at the Ridgeland Veterans Memorial Park. These students, including Nicholas Wall and Myles Lamb, took part in this heartwarming ceremony to ensure that the legacy of service lives on.
Beyond Ridgeland, similar ceremonies took place across the country, including at the Beaufort National Cemetery, which hosted hundreds of participants to honor over 26,000 veterans. The Facebook post from the Beaufort County Wreaths Across America celebration expressed gratitude to their community for the continuous support in remembering the heroes who made great sacrifices for their country.
A Day of Reflection and Gratitude
The ceremonies across all participating cemeteries highlighted a simple but profound message: our veterans should never be forgotten. As each wreath was placed, memories were cherished, and the bond of community was strengthened, reminding everyone present that freedom is not free, and it’s our duty to honor those who fought for it.
As the sun set on a meaningful day, one thing was clear: the spirit of patriotism and gratitude will continue to shine bright in Ridgeland and beyond.
