Remember, honor and teach

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  • Marynell Bryant, Dena Lloyd, Jan Kimmel and Polly Swatsell have been working to prepare local cemeteries - Gafford, Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Greenview and Pickton, respectively - for Saturday’s Wreaths Across America ceremonies. Not pictured: Loretta Scott, who has been working on the event to honor veterans at Black Oak cemetery. Staff photo by Miranda Caddell
    Marynell Bryant, Dena Lloyd, Jan Kimmel and Polly Swatsell have been working to prepare local cemeteries - Gafford, Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Greenview and Pickton, respectively - for Saturday’s Wreaths Across America ceremonies. Not pictured: Loretta Scott, who has been working on the event to honor veterans at Black Oak cemetery. Staff photo by Miranda Caddell
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Wreaths Across America Day to honor local veterans

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Wreaths Across America Day is Dec. 19, and local volunteers have been hard at work in preparation for Saturday’s ceremonies.

It’s the third year for Sulphur Springs City Cemetery and the second year for Black Oak Cemetery to participate in Wreaths Across America. This year brings three more: Gafford, Pickton and Greenview.

According to a press release, “The Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor and teach is the foundation behind all the organization’s efforts. Throughout the year, local volunteers have been tirelessly working to make certain that families, loved ones and heroes get honored and remembered for the holidays.”

The theme for this year is “Be An American Worth Fighting For.”

CEREMONIES

Rain or shine, veterans will be honored with handmade balsam fir wreaths, each adorned with a red ribbon.

The five ceremonies will begin Saturday morning.

• 10 a.m. at Sulphur Springs City

• 10 a.m. at Gafford

• 11 a.m. at Pickton

• 11 a.m. at Greenview

• 11 a.m. at Black Oak

Family members are welcome to attend and participate.

Ceremonies will be unlike previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and guidelines will be followed to ensure the safety of everyone attending.

Those interested in volunteering in future Wreaths Across American events can contact Dena Lloyd at 903-348- 8174. Anyone interested in participating in this weekend’s ceremonies can contact: Marynell Bryant (Gafford) 903-439-5412, Polly Swatsell (Pickton) 903-439-5577, Jan Kimmell (Greenview) 281- 755-2600, Loretta Scott (Black Oak) 903-307-9000 or Lloyd (Sulphur Springs City Cemetery) 903-348- 8174. It’s not too late - or too early - to donate for this year’s - or coming years’ - events.