Cross Hill to Host Third Annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony Honoring Veterans on December 14
December 11, 2024
The third annual Wreaths Across America ceremony in Cross Hill will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at noon. Hosted by United for Veterans of Cross Hill and Tranquility Point, the ceremony will be held at First Baptist Church of Cross Hill located at 789 North Main Street
This ceremony will include a short program including the Posting of the Colors by the Clinton High School’s Jr. ROTC, The National Anthem sung by soloist Mrs. Dolly Morris, followed by The Heritage Girls leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The program will include remarks from the Wreaths Across America Committee and eight United States Veterans placing Ceremonial Wreaths.
Taps, Retiring of the Colors by Clinton High School’s Jr. ROTC, and dismissal instructions from Retired Sergeant Major Tim Erskine will conclude the church ceremony.
The wreath-laying ceremony is a solemn act of remembrance, not simply a decoration for the gravesite. Each wreath will be placed against the tombstone as a tribute to the veteran, with participants pausing to say the veteran’s name and taking a moment of silent reflection
Immediately following the church ceremony, wreaths honoring 160 veterans will be placed simultaneously by family members and individuals at the following participating cemeteries:
- First Baptist Cross Hill
- Soule Chapel United Methodist Church
- St. John Baptist Church
- Zion Hill Baptist Church.
The Wreaths Across America program takes place nationwide on the second Saturday in December, with ceremonies beginning at noon to ensure that all participating locations across the country hold their events simultaneously. Handmade in Maine, the live balsam fir wreaths are delivered by volunteer truck drivers as part of this national effort. More than two million volunteers across 4,600 locations in all 50 states, at sea, and abroad will gather to Remember, Honor, and Teach about the sacrifices made by veterans
Debbie Alexander, Chairperson of Wreaths Across America for Cross Hill, expressed her deep connection to the event. “My father and many other family members bravely served to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. Growing up in Cross Hill. I also had the privilege to know many of our community veterans and their families. I feel a sense of pride and a desire to honor all of our veterans, especially at this time of year.”
Although the deadline for purchasing wreaths for this year has passed, contributions can still be made for the 2025 ceremony. Donations of $17.00 per wreath can be made payable to Wreaths Across America.
The community is encouraged to attend and witness the meaningful tribute to those who served our country. For more information please contact Debbie Alexander at [email protected].
This heartfelt ceremony ensures that no veteran buried in these participating cemeteries is forgotten, as each one is honored with the laying of a wreath in gratitude for their service.
