Wilmington Wreaths Across America was held on December 16, 2023, at the National Cemetery in Wilmington. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Air Force Colonel (ret.) Jerry West, the program was flawless. It was a brisk but beautiful day to be outside and honoring those who have served our country.
The Mission of Wreaths Across America is to “Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
In 2006, with the help of the Civil Air Patrol and other civic organizations, simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies were held at over 150 locations around the country. The Patriot Guard Riders volunteered as escorts for the wreaths going to Arlington in the beginnings of the annual “Veterans Honor Parade,” a convoy that now travels the East Coast every year in early December. In Wilmington’s first year of conducting this ceremony, they only laid seven wreaths- one to honor each branch of service and POW/MIA’s. This year, they laid nearly 5,000 wreaths.
This year’s ceremony included Army General (ret.) Dan Allyn as the keynote speaker. Other speakers included Mayor Bill Saffo, Mayor Brenda Bozeman, and NHC Commissioner Vice Chair LeAnn Pierce. The Master of Ceremony was Army Lt. Colonel (ret.) Rick de Moya.
A Memorial Wreath was presented for each branch of service and POW/MIA. Presenters were Colonel Rob Penwell, Army (ret.); and Chief Warrant Officer Rafford Taylor, Marine Corps. (ret.); Commander Dale Todd, Navy (ret.); Colonel Harrison Smith, Air Force (ret.); Airman 1st Class Dakota Clifford, Air Force (representing the Space Force); Petty Officer Isabella Bobbitt, Coast Guard, Mr. Bert Klerh, Merchant Marine, and Sergeant Lane Adrian, Army, representing POW/MIA’s.
The program was complete with Honorable James Faison, III conducting the opening prayer, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Honor Guard presenting the colors, and Cadet Sergeant Major Harrison Shearer (Civil Air Patrol) leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Reuven Ostrov sang the National Anthem, Daryl Chamber played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, and Paul Paolicelli ended the program by playing Taps.
The public is invited to help remove the wreaths on January 19, 2024 at 9 am.
