Tahoma National Cemetery hosts Wreaths Across America, a holiday wreath-laying ceremony to honor and remember the nation’s veterans, on Saturday, Dec. 16.<\/p>\n
The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. at the cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent.<\/p>\n
The Civil Air Patrol, veterans service organizations and citizens are coordinating the event to honor veterans of each branch of the military, the Merchant Marine as well as prisoners of war and those still missing in action.<\/p>\n
After the ceremony everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to place holiday wreaths on grave sites around the cemetery. About 3,000 wreaths were placed on grave sites last year.<\/p>\n
Members of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter, A-One, No. 33, Kent, Washington and local Boy Scout troops will lay wreaths on the graves of 115 former departed chapter members interned there, said volunteer coordinator Jeannette Severson, treasure for the chapter’s Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary.<\/p>\n
Chaplain Lt. Col. William Adam, USAFA\/CAP, will emcee the event. Col. Jay Rodne, USMC, Marine Barracks, JBLM and the 5th Congressional District Representative, is the keynote speaker; and Col. Rebecca Sonkiss, USAF, commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing, McChord Field, JBLM, will provide closing remarks.<\/p>\n
The Worcester Wreath Company, through a campaign called Wreaths Across America, began donating holiday wreaths in tribute to Veterans laid to rest at VA’s 131 national cemeteries and state Veterans cemeteries in 2006. Since 1992, they have donated wreaths for gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery.<\/p>\n
The Civil Air Patrol is again coordinating wreath ceremonies throughout the country as a part of Wreaths Across America.<\/p>\n