Former Bellefontaine cemetery sextant Bob Eleyet, standing, shows Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose the tombstone of veteran James Pratt during National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 16. Pratt, a blacksmith who served with the U.S. Cavalry, is the only Congressional Medal of Honor recipient buried in the Bellefontaine cemetery. He received the award in September of 1872. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)
Remember. Honor. Teach.
That’s the mission of National Wreaths Across America Day, which was observed in cemeteries throughout the country at noon on Saturday, Dec. 16. Bellefontaine was one of over 4,225 participating locations.
Local coordinator Adam Brannon welcomed guests and volunteers by stating the day’s objective: to remember the fallen, to honor those who served and their families, and to teach the next generation the value of freedom. He then asked for a moment of silence.
“Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so we can live in freedom and without fear,” Brannon said.
Several members of the military took turns laying wreaths in honor of the various branches of service. Brannon then introduced the day’s guest speaker, Secretary of State Frank LaRose.
LaRose, who is running for the United States Senate in 2024, enlisted in the Army after graduating from high school. He then served with the 101st Airborne before joining the U.S. Special Forces as a Green Beret. His decade in uniform earned LaRose numerous commendations and honors, including the Bronze Star. He spoke of his military commitment at Saturday’s ceremony.
“When we raised our right hands, we decided this country is so precious, so dear, it’s worth dying for,” LaRose said. “Whether a century ago or a decade ago, we’re all part of an unbroken line of courageous Americans.”
LaRose also spoke of the importance of holding Wreaths Across America at Christmastime, to remind us of the invaluable gift those who fought and died for this country gave us.
“Christmas celebrates the greatest gift mankind has ever received,” LaRose continued. “This is about us being a grateful nation by thanking those who gave us the gift of freedom.”
Afterward, Myles Bowers from Benjamin Logan High School performed Taps as part of the ceremony. Brannon then gave instructions to the volunteers on how to place the wreaths before sending them out. Bellefontaine had 760 wreaths this year, a 60 percent increase over 2022’s total.
Handmade of balsam fir grown in Maine, each wreath was individually crafted before being tightly packed in boxes. Brannon asked the volunteers to re-fluff the greens and rearrange the bow at the 12 o’clock position.
“It’s important to have an intimate moment with the hero you are honoring,” Brannon said in closing. “But please remember to take a step back and look at the complete picture of what all of us have accomplished through the mission to remember, honor and teach.”
This year’s National Wreaths Across America recognized the lives of three million veterans interred in cemeteries around the country. Each of the three million wreaths was paid for thanks to generous donors.
Sponsorships for the 2024 ceremony are available at $17 per wreath. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org or call 877-385-9504 for more information on how you can be involved.
