Blue Star Moms, Wreaths Across America remember and honor our fallen veterans

The Susanville Soaring Eagle Blue Star Moms, the Lassen County American Legion Post, Lassen County 4-H and Wreaths Across America partnered to remember and honor our veterans by laying Remembrance Wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes at Diamond Crest Cemetery at noon Saturday, Dec. 13.

Just before the event began, Blue Star Mom President Becky Neely explained how we got here.

She said at a convention four or five months ago, the local group, made up of mothers who have children serving in the military, heard about Wreaths Across America, an organization that gathered 2 million volunteers this year to place remembrance wreaths at more than 5,200 locations in all 50 states and at sea and abroad, and decided to bring the effort to Susanville.

A wreath was laid in honor of every branch of the service.

An American Legion rifle squad fire three volleys of seven shots, symbolizing respect, duty, and sacrifice, followed by the playing of Taps.

The 4-H participants helped family members locate gravesites for those searching for the graves of their loved ones.

The names of each departed veteran was spoken out loud as the wreath was laid on their graves.

Wreaths Across America delivered far more wreaths than were paid for through a small donation by event sponsors, so an effort was made to place a wreath on every veteran’s grave at the Diamond Crest Cemetery and other cemeteries in the area as well.