- April 23, 2024
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Bob Dover, of the Ormond Beach Historical Society, helps Allison Davis place aa ceremonial wreath to honor those who were in the U.S. Navy. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The Mainland High School ROTC presents the colors during the first Wreaths Across America service at Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Mayor Bill Partington speaks during the first Wreaths Across America service at Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Mainland High School ROTC members lay a ceremonial wreath in memory of those who served in the U.S. Air Force. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Before laying wreaths on graves, members of the community lay ceremonial wreaths to honor all branches and prisoners of war. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
DAR Regent Dee Clark holds a wreath as taps is played during the first Wreaths Across America service at Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Tom Gavin lays a ceremonial wreath on a veteran's grave during the first Wreaths Across America service at Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Frank McMeel lays a ceremonial wreath on a veteran's grace during the first Wreaths Across America service at Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Alissa Davis lays a ceremonial wreath on a veteran's grave during the first Wreaths Across America service at Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
DAR members Julie Johnson, Donna Dienno and Leslie Madigan (who is also part of the Historical Society ) lay wreaths on veterans' graves during the first Wreaths Across America service at Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 14. Ph
A ceremonial wreath decorates a Korean War veteran's grave at Hillside Cemetery. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Councilwoman Heather Post lays a ceremonial wreath on a veteran's grave during the first Wreaths Across America service at Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 14. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
For the first time, around 200 local veteran graves at Hillside Cemetery in Ormond Beach were honored with a remembrance wreath for National Wreaths Across America on Saturday, Dec. 14.
The Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted the service, joining almost 2,000 participating locations around the U.S. DAR Regent Dee Clark said the service was about more than decorating graves; it was about honoring fallen heroes.
“We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free and to protect the innocent and the oppressed," Clark said.
Wreaths Across America started at Arlington Cemetery in Washington D.C. in 1992 by Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company, when he found himself with leftover wreaths at the end of the holiday season, according to the nonprofit's website. He had visited the cemetery as a boy, and that year, he decided to pay tribute to the veterans buried there.
The initiative later caught national attention in 2005, and the following year, the service was performed at over 150 locations across the U.S.
“We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people from many walks of life," Clark said. "The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price of life before us.”
