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LOCAL EVENTS
Wreaths Across America honors fallen Veterans
Fallen Veterans were honored across the United States, and specifically in the San Marcos City Cemetery, during Wreaths Across America ceremonies last weekend. Wreaths were placed at the headstone of the Veterans; Their names were spoken, and a moment of silence was given at the grave of each soldier to honor their commitment to freedom for the citizens of the United States.
Above, Perry Moore laid a wreath at the grave of a Veteran. Below right, Cathy Stoughton played the music for the ceremony. Bottom, All of the individuals that laid wreaths at the ceremony are Veterans. Mike Hollifield laid the wreath representing fallen soldiers of the U.S. Army. Matt Faseler laid the wreath for fallen soldiers of the U.S. Marines. Pat Porter laid the wreath representing the fallen soldiers of the U.S. Navy. Marvin Daugherty laid the wreath representing the fallen soldiers of the U.S. Air Force. Rowena Brown laid the wreath representing the fallen soldiers of the U.S. Space Force. Ben Tureaud laid the wreath representing the fallen soldiers of the U.S. Coast Guard. Paul Jenson laid the wreath representing the fallen soldiers in the U.S. Merchant Marines. Rob Fitch laid the wreath representing the fallen soldiers in the US Coast Guard. Daily Record photos by Shannon West
“Today we celebrate the mission to remember the fallen, honor those that serve and their families and teach the next generation the value of freedom,” said VFW Post 3413 Commander Stephanie Brown. “On behalf of the city of San Marcos, the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and the families of fallen service members, I would like to express our appreciation for your attendance and volunteerism here today.”
San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson acknowledged the millions of Americans participating in Wreaths Across America ceremonies across the country in order to “remember, honor and teach.”
“We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people from many walks of life,” Hughson said. “The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. 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 wish. We can raise our children with our beliefs. We are free to vote for the leaders of our choosing. We have the right to succeed and we have the right to fail at any endeavor we wish to pursue. The United States of America was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice and equality. Our nation stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free.”
Lisa Morris, Wreaths Across America location coordinator, called it an honor and a privilege to organize the event in honor of Veterans and their families.
“My father is a Vietnam Veteran, and he is buried at Fort Sam Houston,” Morris said. “I know that a volunteer is there today laying a wreath in his honor, just as you are here today to lay a wreath in the honor of someone else’s father, mother, brother or sister.”
Morris thanked those that helped the ceremony come together, including the San Marcos Air Force JROTC, which placed the flags at the headstone of each of the Veterans so that volunteers would know where to place the wreaths.
The city of San Marcos is in need of volunteers for 10 a.m. on Jan. 11 when the wreaths will be removed. Volunteer at this link wreathsacrossamerica. org.
Above left, San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson gave a speech at the event. Above right, Jacob Safarik, U.S. Army Veteran, laid a wreath at a Veterans grave. Daily Record photos by Shannon West
Above left, Mike Hollifield, U.S. Army Veteran, gave a salute and laid the wreath representing fallen soldiers from the U.S. Army. Above right, Lisa Morris, Wreaths Across America location coordinator, and Christie Murillo, San Marcos Parks and Recreation marketing and outreach coordinator, explained how to lay the wreaths for the volunteers in attendance. Right, Scout Troop 112 presented the flags. Below, Leigh Deucy, assisted by Jordan Deucy, laid a wreath at the headstone of Theodore William Breihan, a Veteran that the family knew well. Daily Record photos by Shannon West
