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BMT (RIP)
08-28-2011, 16:49
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYAneQMvEuw&eurl=http://www.snopes.com/photos/military/wreaths.asp <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYAneQMvEuw&amp;eurl=http://www.snopes.com/photos/military/wreaths.asp>




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Tatonka316
08-28-2011, 19:43
Last December, I went up for the wreath laying in Section 60 with one of Chris' teammates. It was a very moving and emotional morning. At first, we got to meet the owner of the Worchester Wreath Company, and one of the USO workers that man the USO in one of the airports in Maine, where Chris' teammate had a lay-over several times coming back from the box. We had a wonderful conversation, and it was good for us both to thank these men for ALL that they do for OUR family!

Gold Star families were given first priority in getting a wreath to lay at the stone of their loved one. Well, we were able to not only get one for Chris - but for ALL our brothers that are resting there, before the masses that came to assist got wreaths. We were able to not only be sure each brother got a wreath, but we were able to spend some time with them, and I was very grateful for that.

My only negative experience with the wreath laying was that with so many people there, it became more of an "event" than a sacred place of reverance. About an hour after people started laying wreaths, the lack of decorum got to me. Running and jumping over headstones, sitting on headstones, and it almost had a "party" atmosphere. I tried several times to "correct" some of these people, but to no avail. So, we left. As we were driving out, we passed several other sections where each stone had a beautiful green wreath with a red ribbon against it, with no people, and the peace and serenity of that scene is what I remember most about that day.

I am glad I went and so very glad we got to meet and thank the owners of the company that so generously donates these beautiful wreaths. It was also good to see so many people out to "help" but like most crowded events, there were a few "bad apples." When I go to Arlington, I either go by myself, or with OUR family, and that is how I will do it next December.

molon labe