Wreaths Across America Day

[RJNorton]

Thank you to forum member Bill Binzel for sending this photo. Bill writes, "On Saturday morning, Lisa and I joined with thousands of other volunteers to place wreaths (from huge trucks) on the 400,000 graves of veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. We consider it to be an honor to do so."

Bill went on to say they "revel in the fact that there are thousands of volunteers who are willing to pay homage to the victims and veterans who sacrificed to serve for their country. That is not a story one hears often enough in today's news."

Bill, the volunteer work you and Lisa do is very inspiring!

[Gene C]

Both of my parents are buried at Arlington.
Dad served for 23 years and during WW II was a prisoner of war.
Before I was born, there were times when he could not be home for Christmas with his family.
But now they are always here in our hearts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XdtB1dakRw

Thanks to all who have served so we can have a Merry Christmas

[Dave B]

Salute to your parents and to all who rest in peace at Arlington.

[David Lockmiller]

(12-20-2022 12:40 AM)Dave B Wrote:  Salute to your parents and to all who rest in peace at Arlington.

Generals Sherman and Grant take their leave of President Lincoln and return to their respective armies (Source: “Team of Rivals,” by Doris Kearns Goodwin, pages 713-714.)

The afternoon of March 28, 1865, Sherman left City Point to return to his troops and prepare for the expected battle. Saying goodbye to the president, he “was more than ever impressed by his kindly nature, his deep and earnest sympathy with the afflictions of the whole people,” and his “absolute faith in the courage, manliness, and integrity of the armies in the field.” To be sure, “his face was care-worn and haggard; but, the moment he began to talk, his face lightened up, his tall form, as it were, unfolded, and he was the very impersonation of good-humor and fellowship.” A decade later, Sherman remained convinced of Lincoln’s unparalleled leadership. “Of all the men I ever met, he seemed to possess more of the elements of greatness, combined with goodness, than any other.”

Lincoln walked to the railroad station early the next morning to bid farewell to Grant, who was heading to the front for what they hoped would be the final offensive against Lee. Oppressed by thoughts of the expected battle, “Lincoln looked more serious than at any other time since he had visited headquarters,” recalled Horace Porter; “the lines in his face seemed deeper; and the rings under his eyes were of a darker hue.” As the train pulled away from the platform, Grant and his party tipped their hats in honor of the president. Returning the salute, his “voice broken by an emotion that he could ill-conceal,” Lincoln said: “Good-bye, gentlemen, God bless you all!”

[wpbinzel]

Lisa and I have done this for years, and we are very proud to recognize and honor those who have scarified for our nation. We are even more proud that we are not alone, and that more than 400,000 wreaths were laid in about 3 hours by the 30,000+
volunteers who joined us.

[Eva Elisabeth]

What a great attitude and thing to do by so many volunteers! And a great photo, too!

[Anita]

Thank you Bill and Lisa for your dedicated service and Roger for posting.

Go here to see a short video posted by Wreaths Across America, " an organization like no other. It touches everyone in the country on some level. Freedom isn't free - that is why we come together each year to Remember, Honor and Teach." https://www.youtube.com/user/WreathsAcrossAmerica

[MaddieM]

(12-19-2022 05:20 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  Thank you to forum member Bill Binzel for sending this photo. Bill writes, "On Saturday morning, Lisa and I joined with thousands of other volunteers to place wreaths (from huge trucks) on the 400,000 graves of veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. We consider it to be an honor to do so."

Bill went on to say they "revel in the fact that there are thousands of volunteers who are willing to pay homage to the victims and veterans who sacrificed to serve for their country. That is not a story one hears often enough in today's news."

Bill, the volunteer work you and Lisa do is very inspiring!

What a lovely thing to do