Beaufort Prepares for Wreaths Across America Day
BEAUFORT – As we inch closer to the much-anticipated Wreaths Across America Day this Saturday, all eyes are on the dedicated efforts of Beaufort’s coordinator, David Edwards, and his team of volunteers. Unfortunately, with just a few days left, Edwards confirmed that they are still a few thousand wreaths short of their goal to honor all 28,000 veteran heroes resting at Beaufort National Cemetery.
A Persistent Challenge
Edwards, who has been a tireless advocate for this initiative over the past few years, is determined to see every headstone adorned with a wreath. If you think this sounds like a familiar story, you’re not alone. “It’s not too late,” he reassured us. “We won’t close the doors on the trucks until Saturday.”
He isn’t one to dwell on specific numbers unless absolutely necessary, but the ongoing struggles this year – from inflation to hurricanes – have weighed heavily on many Beaufort residents’ minds. “It’s been tough for a lot of folks,” he acknowledged, “but I still believe we can make this happen. If everyone in Beaufort could chip in and buy just one wreath, we wouldn’t need help from outside sources.”
How You Can Help
Wondering how you can make a difference? Sponsoring a Remembrance Wreath costs just $17. You can easily do this by scanning the QR code on the Wreaths Across America Beaufort Facebook page or by visiting www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/GA0175P. Rest assured that any wreaths purchased through that link will go directly to Beaufort.
This year, the Beaufort County Veterans Affairs has partnered again with Wreaths Across America Beaufort, which means that the day’s events will be filled with camaraderie and respect for our veterans. The trucks, along with a motorcycle escort, are expected to arrive at 11:30 a.m., followed by a brief ceremony at noon.
Important Arrival and Parking Information
Heads up, everyone! The cemetery gates will be closed by 9 a.m. on Saturday, so plan to park on surrounding streets. It’s vital to keep the Avenue of Flags clear for the tractor trailers and motorcycle escort. Family members of two Medal of Honor recipients will kick off the wreath placements, after which the community is invited to join in.
Additionally, if parking inside the cemetery, please ensure you do not park on the grass, tree roots, or graves. Let’s keep our veterans’ resting place as pristine as possible! Also, when parking on the streets around the cemetery, please be respectful of private property.
A Long-Standing Tradition
This marks the 19th year that Wreaths Across America has aimed to ensure that every veteran buried in Beaufort National Cemetery receives a wreath. Founded by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992, the Wreaths Across America organization is on a mission to Remember, Honor, Teach – a mission that includes wreath-laying ceremonies at thousands of cemeteries across the country and even into Europe. In 2023 alone, the organization managed to place over three million sponsored wreaths at more than 3,700 locations!
So, let’s come together, Beaufort! Whether it’s one wreath or more, every contribution counts. Let’s make sure our veteran heroes are honored and remembered this season.
For further details, visit the Wreaths Across America website and participate in this meaningful event!
