thedrifter
12-16-07, 08:16 AM
Dec. 15, 2007, 9:18PM
In Houston, across U.S., wreaths honor sacrifices
Heads bow in silence as troops remembered in a growing tradition
By RENÉE C. LEE
Houston Chronicle
Thousands of people across the country, including about 100 in Houston, gathered at state and national veteran cemeteries on Saturday for a moment of silence and to lay wreaths in honor of the nation's fallen troops.
At the same hour — 11 a.m. in Houston — families, veterans and active servicemen and women bowed their heads and watched as ceremonial wreaths were placed on stands in remembrance of those who gave their lives for freedom.
The concurrent ceremonies were part of a national campaign called Wreaths Across America, launched last year. The campaign grew from the simple gesture of a Maine wreath company 16 years ago.
Chilly weather forced this year's ceremony at Houston National Cemetery inside the chapel, where state Rep. Rob Eissler, a Navy veteran, reminded the audience of the sacrifices made and encouraged them to say thanks to veterans and active service members.
''We have many freedoms other countries do not," said Eissler, R-The Woodlands. "However, as you know, this did not come without a price."
Every December since 1991, Worcester Wreath Co. has donated wreaths to adorn more than 5,000 headstones at Arlington National Cemetery.
Two years ago, owner Morrill Worcester asked the Civil Air Patrol to help him expand the concept nationwide, said Capt. Denise Thompson, public affairs director for the Civil Air Patrol squadron that helped organize Houston's ceremony. Now seven ceremonial wreaths, donated by Worcester, are placed at each of the 273 state and national cemeteries each year during the holiday season.
Among those attending Saturday's ceremony in Houston were Brad Kent and his wife, Melody Stevens-Kent.
Her parents, who served in the Marines, are buried at Houston National Cemetery. So are Kent's parents. His father served in the Army. The family brought wreaths to place on their gravesites.
''It was beautiful," Stevens-Kent said. "I'm glad we got to take part in something going on across the country."
renee.lee@chron.com
Ellie
In Houston, across U.S., wreaths honor sacrifices
Heads bow in silence as troops remembered in a growing tradition
By RENÉE C. LEE
Houston Chronicle
Thousands of people across the country, including about 100 in Houston, gathered at state and national veteran cemeteries on Saturday for a moment of silence and to lay wreaths in honor of the nation's fallen troops.
At the same hour — 11 a.m. in Houston — families, veterans and active servicemen and women bowed their heads and watched as ceremonial wreaths were placed on stands in remembrance of those who gave their lives for freedom.
The concurrent ceremonies were part of a national campaign called Wreaths Across America, launched last year. The campaign grew from the simple gesture of a Maine wreath company 16 years ago.
Chilly weather forced this year's ceremony at Houston National Cemetery inside the chapel, where state Rep. Rob Eissler, a Navy veteran, reminded the audience of the sacrifices made and encouraged them to say thanks to veterans and active service members.
''We have many freedoms other countries do not," said Eissler, R-The Woodlands. "However, as you know, this did not come without a price."
Every December since 1991, Worcester Wreath Co. has donated wreaths to adorn more than 5,000 headstones at Arlington National Cemetery.
Two years ago, owner Morrill Worcester asked the Civil Air Patrol to help him expand the concept nationwide, said Capt. Denise Thompson, public affairs director for the Civil Air Patrol squadron that helped organize Houston's ceremony. Now seven ceremonial wreaths, donated by Worcester, are placed at each of the 273 state and national cemeteries each year during the holiday season.
Among those attending Saturday's ceremony in Houston were Brad Kent and his wife, Melody Stevens-Kent.
Her parents, who served in the Marines, are buried at Houston National Cemetery. So are Kent's parents. His father served in the Army. The family brought wreaths to place on their gravesites.
''It was beautiful," Stevens-Kent said. "I'm glad we got to take part in something going on across the country."
renee.lee@chron.com
Ellie