To honor those who gave their lives for our nation, Wreaths Across America lays wreaths at the headstones of military graves in cemeteries across the country.
- By Kirby Rhodes 
Photos courtesy Wreaths Across America
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This year, December 16 is National Wreaths Across America Day. You may be familiar with this nationwide event, as it takes place locally at the Biloxi National Cemetery each year. However, for the first time, the Waveland Cemetery will be a part of this annual ceremony. The commemorative service will begin at 11 AM at the foot of Dufour Road in Waveland.
Speakers will honor each branch of the military and the sacrifice many made for our country. Once the ceremony has commenced, the laying of the wreaths will begin with the family members of servicemen. Volunteers will aid in honoring the rest. 
At the Waveland Cemetery, there are 132 service member graves to be honored. Wreaths Across America raised enough funds to place a wreath on each of these graves this year and next. Jack Dupont, organizer of the Waveland event, says, “Participating in the national event allows the surviving family members of servicemen to celebrate Christmas with their family and honor their loved ones’ sacrifice.” 
The laying of the wreaths began in 1992, when wreath maker Morrill Worcester had an excess of wreaths and decided to bring the wreaths to the Arlington National Cemetery. Since then, this tribute has grown exponentially, especially with the introduction of social media. In 2007, Wreaths Across America officially became a non-profit and continued to expand this tradition across the country. In 2022, 2.7 million wreaths were placed on the graves of service members throughout the United States. 
This photo of wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery moved the public to action and changed Wreaths Across America forever.
Waveland and several other cemeteries in Hancock County are thrilled to be a part of the ceremony this year. Please visit www.wreathsacrossameria.org to learn how you can contribute to the cause. Enjoy this feature?
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