HAMPTON, Va. - –
Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Hampton community members joined together to pay respect to fallen members of the Armed Forces in honor of National Wreaths Across America Day at the Hampton National Cemetery, Dec. 13.
"We are doing our part to lay remembrance wreaths at the 33,000 headstones of the fallen at the Hampton National Cemetery," said Maribel Beckwith, WAA location leader for HNC. "[We] remember those individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice and we take time to reflect and remember the fallen by placing wreaths at their headstones."
Wreaths Across America's mission is to "Remember, honor and teach." Program participants and volunteers place wreaths at more than 900 cemeteries each year in honor of those Service members whose seat is empty at their families' holiday dinners.
U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Kelly Moose, Air Combat Command Directorate of Logistics force development superintendent and narrator for the ceremony, said he brought his children to the ceremony to teach them to appreciate what they have.
"It's vital for us to teach our young men and women, our kids, the value of our mission," said Moose. "They need to understand why we do what we do and that they live in a free society where they can make choices for themselves because of the freedoms these Service members fought for."
Though more than 7,000 wreaths were laid at HNC this year, Beckwith hopes one day to see all 33,000 headstones with a wreath.
"All fallen Service members deserve our appreciation and admiration," said Beckwith. "Wreaths are purchased through donations so we depend on the local community in order to show our support to these veterans."
For more information regarding the Wreaths Across America program, visit
www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.