Annual Wreaths Aceoss America ceremony held at Misouri Veterans Cemetery

Saturday, December 17, 2022

Dexter Statesman/Josh Ayers

The annual Wreaths Across America ceremony was held Saturday Morning at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. During the ceremony a Christmas Wreath is for each branch of the military, Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and for those listed as POW/MIA. A Christmas Wreath is placed at each headstone and along the Columbarium Walls in honor of the service the veteran provided to the country.

Bradley Williams with the Stoddard County Honor Guard leads the Pledge of Allegiance.
Cheri Dawe, Pilar Hopper and Molly Berry sing the National Anthem.
Paul Martin lead the invocation and benediction.
Captain Scott Payne place a wreath for those who served in the U.S. Army.
Sergeant Gary Kitchen places a wreath for those who served in the U.S. Marines.
Petty Officer First Class Carl Bess places a wreath for those who served in the U.S. Navy.
Sergeant 1st Class Charles Long places a wreath for those who served in the U.S. Air Force.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Justin Baker places a wreath for those who served in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Sergeant 1st Class Charles Long places a wreath for those who served in the U.S. Merchant Marines.
Captain Scott Payne place a wreath for the 93,129 men and womes in all branches of service listed as Missing in Action or Prisoner of War.
The Stoddard County Honor Guard fires the ceremonial volley.
The Stoddard County Honor Guard fires the ceremonial volley.
Bradley Williams with the Stoddard County Honor Guard plays Taps.
Jentezen Martin steps back after placing a wreath at a headstone.
Margo Martin places a wreath at a headstone.