Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton will be the setting for a special ceremony giving families, friends, and community an opportunity to memorialize fallen veterans this holiday season.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 11 a.m., ‘Wreaths Across America’ will take place at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery to remember and honor veterans through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our county’s fallen heroes and by saying the name of each and every veteran aloud.
“Wreaths Across America” began in 1992 when a surplus of wreaths was donated to an older section of Arlington National Cemetery that was receiving fewer visitors. Continuing through the years, the private event received national attention in 2005 and cemeteries across the country soon began honoring veterans with the placing of wreaths in December.
The mission is simple: Remember. Honor. Teach. Remember and honor those veterans who served the country and teach future generations.
Prior to Saturday’s laying of wreaths, there will be a brief ceremony that will include an address from Mississippi National Guard Brigadier General Christopher M. Thomas, who currently serves at the Commander of the 184th Expeditionary Sustainment Command in Monticello, Mississippi.
The community is welcomed to come and take part in the heartfelt ceremony to honor fallen veterans.
“After the brief ceremony, we’ll begin laying wreaths on the 1,985 graves we have at memorial cemetery,” said Bill Freemen, Friends of Mississippi Veterans board member. “Family member will have the honor of laying wreaths for their loved ones first, and then those in attendance that would like to help honor our fallen veterans by laying wreaths are welcomed to do so.”
Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery is located at 248 Honor Circle in Newton. With a portion of U.S. Highway 80 between Newton and Hickory currently closed due to bridge construction, those traveling to the ceremony are encouraged to take exit 115 off of I-20 and travel south for 2 miles on MS-503 to Hickory, then turn right onto U.S. Highway 80 and travel west 2.3 miles to Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
