450 wreaths mark graves of military personnel

The burial plot of GM3 US Navy soldier Robert William Sellers decorated Saturday with a small flag and a Wreath Across America. Jean Gordon Photo.

Volunteers at the eighth annual Wreaths Across America event at the Rutherford County Cemetery Saturday afternoon placed 450 wreaths on the graves of military personnel who served in the United States military.

Sponsored by the Griffith Rutherford Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), small American flags were also placed at the graves sites by the volunteers and DAR members prior to the annual ceremony.

The ceremony theme was "Serve and Succeed."

The MCJROTC Color Guard from R-S Central High School presented the colors followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem led by DAR members and DAR Regent Betsy Keeter Woolridge.

Woolridge said the event was to support all fallen military including those at War and those Missing In Action.

She said the gathering was not only to honor the fallen soldiers but to teach future generations that "nothing comes without a price" in order for Americans to live in freedom.

Judy Toney, chaplain for the DAR addressed the group, and thanked everyone who honored and remembered the soldiers with the Christmas wreaths.

She said the placing of wreaths on graves was "not to decorate the graves, but was a gift of appreciation" to all who served in the military.

Toney recognized family members representing all branches of the military as wreaths were also placed in their honor.

Tara Horton played taps and Toney led the group in a closing prayer.