Veterans were honored across the nation on Dec. 13.
Wreaths Across America is an event in which volunteers across the country place wreaths on Veterans’ graves to honor them for their service. The local event occurred at the San Marcos City Cemetery.
In a ceremony befitting the heroes it honored, Cathy Stoughton played the National Anthem and Taps, and Boy Scout Troop 112 posted the colors. San Marcos Police Department Chaplain Mike Hollifield led the invocation. Then Veterans of each branch of the military hung a wreath to honor those that had fallen, along with a salute.
San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson acknowledged the 5,200 participating locations for Wreaths Across America where Americans gathered to “remember, honor and teach.”
“The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. Lying here before us, and in cemeteries throughout this nation, are men and women who gave their lives so we can live in freedom and without fear,” Hughson said. “We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free. We shall not forget you. We shall remember. Today, more than ever, we reflect on our nation’s Veterans and active-duty service members who continue to fight to protect the innocent and oppressed.”
Hughson also thanked the Veterans in the audience for their service.
“This nation has always been the first to stand up for the freedom of people from around the world. Many of you have answered that call and served your country well,” Hughson said. “There are many men and women serving today in all branches of the military, here at home and in places far away. These men and women are in the best-trained, best-equipped force in the world. We honor them and their families for the sacrifices they make each day to keep our country safe from terrorism, hatred and injustice.”
Hughson closed her speech with a quote from the 40th President Ronald Reagan.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,” she quoted. “We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same, or, one day, we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States, where people were free.”
Lisa Morris, San Marcos Parks and Recreation programs manager and Wreaths Across America location coordinator, said the Veterans being honored served the United States both in times of peace and conflict.
“They came from all walks of life,” she said. “Some gave their lives in battle. Some of them returned with injuries, seen and unseen, that would impact their entire lives. Some of them served briefly, and some made full careers of military service. Each is deserving of the recognition and honor that you are giving them today.”
Brian Acosta, Veterans Advisory Committee chair, instructed the volunteers to say each Veteran’s name aloud when placing the wreath.
“It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our Veterans alive,” Acosta said. “Remember we are not here today to decorate graves. We are here not to remember their deaths, but their lives.”
The wreaths will be removed on Saturday, Jan. 10. One can volunteer at wreathsacrossamerica. org.
