This is not a dog story however, it is heartwarming nonetheless.
Today, all across America, in various National Cemeteries including Arlington National Cemetery, holiday wreaths were placed on military graves as part of what has become known as the World’s largest Veterans Parade “The Veteran’s Honor Parade”. In Florida, my friends & I joined hundreds of motorcycle riders in a police escorted ride to Bushnell National Cemetery. The bike line was never-ending, followed by 4-wheel vehicles. The cemetery was covered with folks of all age groups, from kids to senior citizens. The holiday wreaths were made of pine with red bows & smelled fresh & wonderful.
It was heartwarming to see the line of tough bikers gingerly picking up two wreaths at a time, walking solemnly to veterans’ graves, & very carefully placing the wreaths on those graves. It was a wonderful way to honor our veterans that gave their lives for our freedom. And for me, it was extra special, as I placed a wreath on my U.S. Marines husband’s grave. Semper Fi!
I wish I’ve taken better pictures of the event in Bushnell but you can read more about it at: http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/
There was a great story on 60 minutes last week about the man that started this tradition 🙂
Thanks for the heads up I record 60 minutes but haven’t watched an episode yet this season.
Thanks Rita. I just found it online, embedded in the attached URL: http://chicagoist.com/2012/12/15/wreaths_across_america_honors_falle.php
You are right, it sure was a great story. I did not know the background on this tradition.
Orly, Thank you so much for sharing this very touching and important event. My Dad was a marine.
Thank you Orly for your Husband’s service to our country.
Ooh-rah!
Beautiful tribute, thank you.
Orly, these are beautiful pictures. I guess the bikers really support the military. One of Randy’s friends at the sheriff’s office lost his 22yr old son in Afghanistan 2years ago this month and not only were a lot of deputies there in uniform, but a lot of bikers came to the service and stood in the line holding flags alongside the deputies as you walked into the church. It was very moving.
Orly, this is very a emotional reminder that freedom is not free. Your husband paid the ultimate price so we can enjoy our freedoms. Thank you so much.
Scarlett,
These were probably the Patriot Guards (which I am also part of). We get invited by family members to attend funerals of service members. We stand in line, at attention, during services & at furneral sites, with raised flags.
I was first introduced to them during my husband’s funeral and, like you, found it very moving so I joined to pay it forward.