This past weekend, families and volunteers solemnly placed 8400+ wreaths in front of graves at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama, as part of the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony.

Since the National Cemetery opened 13 years ago, the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery (SCALNC) has planned and coordinated the ceremony to lay live balsam wreaths on each and every grave.

A sacred observance, fundraising support for the ceremony comes from:

SCALNC
Blue Star Salute Foundation
American Legion
Military services organizations, churches, community organizations, businesses, and individuals.

Logistics support was provided by the civil air patrol.

The Wreaths

The symbolism of the wreaths is an important part of the ceremony.

According to Wreaths Across America here are the symbols and the meaning of the wreaths:

Evergreens represent LONGEVITY and ENDURANCE
Red Bow symbolizes GREAT SACRIFICE
Forest Scent is for PURITY & SIMPLICITY
Circular shape represents ETERNITY. It is also a way to show a united front of national unity all across the United States of America as we Remember the Fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach our children the value of freedom.

Honor Those Who Served at Alabama National Cemetery

In an email to The Bama Buzz, Pam Nichols, Chairman of the Support Committee says that the holiday wreaths symbolize honor to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces of our great nation, and to their families who endure sacrifices everyday on our behalf.

“It is also a way to teach youth to understand that the freedoms they enjoy today have not been free but have come with a cost that someday, they may have to pay themselves. As the wreaths are laid, all volunteers should remember that those resting in the hallowed ground of ALNC were real Americans with families, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles. They were and are more than just a statistic.”

Learn More

For more information on Wreaths Across America at the Alabama National Cemetery visit their website at https://scalnc.org/programs-at-alnc. Volunteer opportunities are outlined in the SCALNC blog:

https://scalnc.org/blog/f/information-for-potential-volunteers-wreaths-across-americaIf you wish to support the Alabama National Cemetery contact Pam Nichols, Chairman, Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery – SCALNC at P. O, Box 648 Montevallo, AL 35115 or email – chairman.scalnc@gmail.com