Wreaths Across America returns to Beaufort, Jasper counties this weekend to honor veterans
In remembrance of the nation’s veterans, volunteers will place thousands of wreaths throughout cemeteries in Beaufort and Jasper counties on Saturday and Sunday as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.
The largest event will be at the Beaufort National Cemetery on Boundary Street, where more than 15,000 wreaths were placed last year despite COVID safety precautions limiting the number of volunteers. This year’s goal is 26,000 wreaths. The event begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, and a full schedule can be found on the Wreaths Across America Beaufort Facebook page.
In Jasper County, a formal ceremony is scheduled for noon Saturday at Hardeeville City Hall on Main Street. Mayor Harry Williams will give opening remarks, and then a convoy will travel to Purrysburg Cemetery, Green Cemetery, Mount Calvary Church Cemetery and Red Dam Baptist Church Cemetery to lay wreaths on veterans’ graves, according to a city news release.
The Wreaths Across America program began in 1992 when the owner of Maine’s Worcester Wreath Company decided to place extra wreaths on graves at Arlington National Cemetery, the program’s website says. It gained national attention when a photo of the wreaths placed on the snow-covered graves went viral in 2005. Since then, more than 2,500 participating locations honor veterans by placing wreaths on their graves for National Wreaths Across America Day each year.
The group’s mission is to “Remember, Honor and Teach,” according to its website.
Other locations in Beaufort County participating in laying wreaths:
▪ Six Oaks Cemetery on Greenwood Drive on the Saturday (Noon)
Other locations in Jasper County participating:
▪ Grahamville Cemetery on Smith’s Crossing on Saturday (9 a.m.)
▪ Old Sardis Cemetery on Saturday (10 a.m.)
▪ Ridgeland Cemetery on Ingram Street on Saturday (Noon)
▪ Grimes Cemetery on Saturday (3 p.m.)
▪ Gillisonville Baptist Church Cemetery on Grays Highway on the Sunday (after church service)
▪ Great Swamp Baptist Church on Tarboro Road on Sunday (after church service)
If there’s another Wreaths Across America event in Beaufort or Jasper counties that we missed, please forward the information to newsroom@islandpacket.com.
This story was originally published December 15, 2021 at 11:46 AM.
