On Saturday, Dec. 14, final resting places throughout the country and beyond were filled with volunteers who laid wreaths on the graves of those who served our country, including Oxford’s Ridgelawn Memorial Cemetery.
With 215 veterans residing at Ridgelawn, volunteers ranging from Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to community

members and non-community members all gathered to walk through the cemetery, clearing off the grave markers of those who sacrificed so much. Once a marker was cleared, a live wreath was laid and the veteran’s name was said out loud by the volunteer, giving honor and recognition for their service.
After each wreath was laid, everyone gathered together for a short ceremony where heads bowed, salutes were given and “Taps” was played, commemorating another year of honoring those who served.
Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization that was formed in 2007, whose mission is to remember, honor and teach the value of freedom and “the importance of honoring those who sacrificed so much to protect those freedoms.”
According to their website, there are more than 1,600 ceremonies held around the globe each year. For more photos, please pick up a copy of The Oxford Leader for $1.