Wreaths Across America

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

The annual Wreaths Across America was held Saturday at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. A Christmas Wreath is placed at each headstone and along the columbarium walls by family and friends of veterans interred at the cemetery. Due to the weather the ceremony was moved into the committal shelter.

Master of Ceremony, LTC Michael L. Woods opens the ceremony.
Pastor Ronnie Stevens offered the invocation and benediction.
Those in attendance bow their heads in prayer.
Kara Bone sings the national anthem
MAJ SCOTT PAYNE, US ARMY lays a Christmas wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Army.
MGSGT JIM HANEY, US MARINE CORPS lays a Christmas wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Marine Corps.
PO1 CARL BESS, US NAVY RET lays a Christmas wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Navy.
MAJ JOHN MYERS, US AIR FORCE lays a Christmas wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Air force.
LTC Michael L. Woods salutes as the wreaths are carried in during the ceremony.
CWO4 JUSTIN BAKER, US COAST GUARD lays a Christmas wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Coast Guard.
SC CHARLIE LONG, US ARMY lays a Christmas wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Merchant Marines.
SGT ROY RHODES US Army lays a Christmas wreath in honor of the 93, 129 United States Servicemen from all branches of the service who last known status was either Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. These individuals have never returned to their families and homes. We shall not forget you.
Director of the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Tammy Smith, speaks at the ceremony.
The Stoddard County Honor Guard fires the ceremonial volley
Stoddard County Honor Guard member, Bradley Williams, plays TAPS
Christmas wreaths line the columbarium walls
Christmas wreaths adorn each headstone at the cemetery.