CAMP NELSON, Ky. — It’s a holiday reveille call that pays tribute to all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom.

“This is Wreaths Across America at Camp Nelson. We’re here to honor our veterans, so that we can remember them during the holiday season by placing a wreath on each one of the graves,” said Julie McGlamery, one of the event’s coordinators. 

Over 13,000 wreaths were laid at the Camp Nelson cemetery this year. (Steve France)

Hundreds of volunteers, both young and old, gather on this day here at Camp Nelson in Jessamine County. Each of them volunteer their time to place wreaths on the graves of those whom fought for our country but are no longer with us.

“I think that spending a little bit of time on Memorial Day or a day like Wreaths Across America, or Veterans Day, just acknowledging those that have given so much to us, is very important for future generations to know why that sacrifice was made,” said Air Force veteran Richard Helton.

Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath­-laying ceremonies like this one at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,400-hundred additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

“It’s important because we don’t necessarily have something all year round to remember them. And I mean, while we have Memorial Day, and we place flags, but we also come out during the holiday season to let them know that we haven’t forgotten them, and that they’re in our thoughts. It’s just a little something we can do,” said McGlamery.

On this cold and windy day at Camp Nelson, more than 400 volunteers gathered for this ceremony to help lay nearly 13,000 wreaths. The annual event relies on the generosity of sponsors to offset the cost of each wreath, while these volunteers make sure that each grave gets a wreath and a heartfelt thank you for their service.

“I think it’s important to come out here and volunteer just because it’s a great way to honor and remember our veterans,” said Kyle Lewis, who volunteered for this year’s event.

“I know people that are buried here at Camp Nelson, and it’s a special place to a lot of people. Not just in Central Kentucky, but in a lot of areas. Because you’ve got folks buried here from a lot of places throughout the United States,” shared Helton.

“I just think it’s important to be able to honor them, and to try to teach our future generation about their sacrifices, and what we can just do this small part to honor them,” added McGlamery.

An honor in the form of a holiday wreath and the hope that we will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.