Bay Pines National Cemetery Hosts Wreaths Across America Saturday

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Bay Pines National Cemetery will participate in National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday.

Each year on this day, Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 3,400 locations across the United States where veterans are interred, according to a news release from Bay Pines.

“This year, volunteers will lay more than 6,000 wreaths at the final resting places of the brave men and women who are interred at our cemetery,” Douglas Maddox, director, Bay Pines National Cemetery, said. “Events like this one remind our veterans and their loved ones that we will never forget all they’ve sacrificed for us. We are proud to participate in a cause that reinforces our commitment to honor the memories of our Nation’s Heroes.”

The laying of the wreaths at Bay Pines National Cemetery, at 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., begins at 11 a.m. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 10:30 a.m. for the safety briefing.

Once all the wreaths are placed, a brief ceremony, which will begin no later than noon, will be held at the roundabout of the cemetery. The ceremony will include a live performance of the national anthem, a presentation of colors, a ceremonial wreath laying on the obelisk and more.

Wreath pick-up will take place at the Bay Pines National Cemetery on Jan. 21, 10 a.m.

Those interested in volunteering for the wreath laying or the wreath pick-up, should contact Ronalee Klase at 727-642-4091 or rsklaseunit291@gmail.com. Volunteers may also visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org to register.