Heidi Christensen and her son Alex, a member of Wylie’s Young Men’s Service League, place a wreath on the grave of a veteran of World War II and the Korean War.

The National Wreaths Across America ceremony at Wylie Cemetery Saturday opened with a call to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

The Wylie ceremony was coordinated by Sarah Kewak, speaker and location coordinator for the local Wreaths Across America event Saturday, Dec. 13, and was held in conjunction with ceremonies across Collin County, Texas, and throughout the United States.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence to honor fallen service members, prisoners of war and those missing in action, followed by the posting of the colors by the Color Guard.

In opening remarks, Kewak noted that millions of Americans were gathering simultaneously at more than 5,600 participating locations nationwide to take part in the annual observance.

“The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price,” she said. “Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear. We can worship as we see fit. We can raise our children to believe as we do. We are free to vote for the leaders of our choosing. And we have the right to succeed, and we have the right to fail at whatever we wish to pursue.”

Attendees were also asked to recognize veterans in attendance, inviting them to raise their hands so they could be acknowledged and thanked for their service.

“There are many men and women serving today in all branches of the military, here at home and in places far away…. we honor them and their families for the sacrifices they make each day to keep our country safe from terrorism, hatred and injustice.”

Local veterans Dwayne Moore, Dave Clark and Michael Selheim were invited to lay wreaths representing their respective service branches — Army, Marines and Air Force — while Troop 78 Boy Scouts laid wreaths honoring the Navy, Space Force and Coast Guard. Veteran James Goodrich laid a wreath in honor of the more than 80,000 U.S. servicemen from all branches whose last known status was either prisoners of war or missing in action.

Kewak then encouraged volunteers to say each veteran’s name aloud while placing wreaths, taking a moment to thank them for their service as a way of keeping their memory alive.

“Remember, we are not here today to decorate graves,” Kewak said. “We are here to remember not their deaths, but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America.”

A total of 220 wreaths were laid at Wylie Cemetery, with 47 additional wreaths placed at nearby Kreymer Cemetery.

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