Wreaths Across America Draws Thousands to Dixon Cemetery

Cold temperatures did not detour the thousands who attended the Wreaths Across America Ceremony at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery Saturday morning.

As the wind began to blow, many found chairs to sit in while others, late stragglers, had to stand in back with their feet in the damp grass.

As Kathleen Watson, regent, Anne Loucks Chapter, National Society Daughters of the Revolution, welcomed those in attendance, she directed everyone to stand up as the California State Color Guard accompanied by the Sacramento Chapter Honor Guard, California Society Sons of the American Revolution and the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery Guard made their way to the stage for the presentation of colors.

Everyone then recited the pledge of allegiance and then fell silent as the Star Spangled Banner was sung by Jenn Stith of Fairfield.

“We honor our veterans not only on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, POW MI Day or July Fourth,” said , director of the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. “We honor them 365 days of the year. And for us working here at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, every day is . Our cemetery is one of the very few cemeteries in the nation that decorates all the grave sites.”

She added that 9,000 wreaths this year were placed on graves.

Susan Busenius, first vice regent of the Anne Loucks Chapter, brought greetings from the Wreaths Across America Foundation.

“At this very moment wreath laying ceremonies are happening in national cemeteries all across the country,” she said. “We are long in our desire to remember the sacrifices of our veterans and active military to honor their service and to teach future generations to do the same.”

Following the invocation, Gary Leach, SCPO, United States Navy retired and vice president of the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery said the United States of America was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality.

“Many of those gathered here today are veterans of wars and conflicts America has had to fight to protect the innocent and oppressed,” he said. “America has always been the first nation to stand up for the freedom of people around the world. Many here today have answered the call and served our country. We are here to say thank you and we are honored to know you.”

He added there are many men and women serving today in all branches of the military that are part of the best trained and best equipped forces in the world.

“We honor them and their families for the sacrifices they make each day to keep our country free from terrorism, hatred and injustices which plagues the world community,” he said. “When you see a veteran or an active duty member of our armed forces, take a moment to say, 'Thank you.' We owe them our way of life and a moment of your time and gratitude is a moment well spent.”

As the ceremony continued, wreath presentations took center stage as one by one, military personnel and veterans in uniform carried the wreaths and gently placed them on hooks below the flags of each armed forces branch.

“This ceremony that's performed yearly ensures that every veteran ill never be forgotten,” said Michael Reagan, Lt. Colonel United States Air Force retired and a member of the Solano County Board of Supervisors. “There are remembered and recognized for their service here today. There are so many opportunities that I have to speak in this community but none is more profound than serving as a spokesman for members who have served their nation.”

Following a rifle salute and the sound of TAPS played by Jack Hanes, staff sargent, California National Guard, ceremony attendees made their way out to graves to distribute wreaths and to honor those who gave their lives for freedom.

Check out the video and photos attached to this story for more on the Wreaths Across America event

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