Naval Base Point Loma Participates in 'Wreaths Across America'

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Justin L. Webb, Naval Base Point Loma Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 1,200 service members, veterans and civilians arrived at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery to lay nearly 3,000 wreaths on the graves of fallen troops Dec. 10.

These volunteers were participating in the 19th annual nationwide event, which is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies on the second Saturday of December at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as veterans' cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

This year's keynote speaker was retired Navy Seal Rear Adm. Raymond Smith, who took a few moments to reflect on the more than 105,000 service members and merchant marines laid to rest in Fort Rosecrans.

"This ceremony, which is being played out across our nation today, is a powerful indication that amidst the challenges we face in our nation all of us recognize that we must frequently stop our own busy lives and look to the past for inspiration and courage," he said. "Today we honor them all! Whether they served four years or forty years, there is no distinction. For the raising of one's right hand and swearing of one's allegiance to our nation and its citizens is sufficient to be recognized."

Commanding Officer Naval Base Point Loma Capt. Scott Adams participated in this year's event, and was able to place a ceremonial wreath on a wreath stand as a tribute to fallen Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Merchant Marines laid to rest in Fort Rosecrans and throughout the world.

"I was proud to represent the Navy while recognizing the sacrifices of the service members who have gone before me," said Adams. "However, more to the point of the day I believe, I was thankful for the men and women laid to rest on Rosecrans Hill and for the thousands more they represent who, refusing to be bystanders, took an active role in defending our freedom."

Engineman 3rd Class Kenitha Taylor, who volunteered for her second consecutive "Wreaths Across America" this year was honored to be involved in the ceremony.

"Being able to come here and pay tribute to the people who laid down their lives for us, puts what I'm doing more into perspective," she said. "I could one day be at risk, and it makes me proud to be a part of something bigger. This is what I do every day. It got emotional of course to think about the people who died for the freedoms we have."

Battaglia Joins Thousands for 'Wreaths Across America'

By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service

ARLINGTON, VA  – Placing 100,000 holiday wreaths at the graves where veterans "lie in rest and peace on the hallowed grounds" of Arlington National Cemetery is a tribute to their sacrifices for the nation, the Defense Department’s top enlisted service member, Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, said here yesterday.

"Our veterans deserve nothing but the best," emphasized Battaglia, senior enlisted adviser to Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and to Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta.

Now in its 20th year, "Wreaths Across America" makes sure veterans' graves at national cemeteries are adorned during the holidays with large, evergreen wreaths bearing bright red bows. Thousands of volunteers -- veterans, family members, Boy Scouts and others – place the wreaths on the headstones.

"Isn't it great to to see that?” Battaglia asked. "It's very refreshing as a service member, but also as an American, [to see] our veterans held in such high regard that [people] would volunteer their time to come out here in the cold, as a matter of fact, to perform work in service and honor of our veterans."

Battaglia, accompanied by his wife, Lisa, also laid wreaths at veterans' graves.

“Wreaths Across America not only gives citizens the chance to pay their respects, it allows for the spirit of the holidays for the fallen and their family members," he said.

"To have this privilege and honor in such a dignified way, to spread holiday cheer and spirit," Battaglia said, "shows even though they may have gone before us, our veterans are still a part of our team and family."

This year's largest wreath delivery, at three times its average size, began its six-day journey from Maine to the cemetery in a convoy of more than 20 tractor trailers and other vehicles, also bringing veterans and families. The parade of vehicles made stops at schools, veterans' homes and national cemeteries along its way.

Yesterday began with the wreaths arriving before dawn at the cemetery, amid a parade of backed-up vehicular and foot traffic, creating an early crowd of people vying to attend the ceremonies.

Battaglia said the event spoke for itself.

"You could see by the audience gathered in the amphitheater for the opening ceremony with standing room only," he said, "the number and mixture of folks here, ... who came here on these hallowed grounds to give their respects," he said.

The wreaths covered many sections of the cemetery's grave sites, touching on dignitaries such as President John F. Kennedy, and winding its way from Civil War veterans' grave sites to service members just buried. The day concluded with the wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

"Regardless of conflict, our veterans have given and sacrificed much," he said. "[The least we can do] is what we're doing today."

Battaglia said the family of Morrill and Karen Worcester who began Wreaths Across America made sacrifices, too, to make the annual event possible.

"You really have to admire their motto of 'Remember, Honor and Teach,'" Battaglia said. "Even though a lot of the focus is placed on the children to grow up in the true American spirit, I've learned some very valuable lessons today."