FORT KNOX, Ky. — Americans honored veterans across the country Saturday, Dec. 14, for Wreaths Across America Day, as volunteers placed wreaths on the graves of heroes in every state and abroad.
Fort Knox was one of the thousands of locations participating in the event nationally. Volunteers placed wreaths on graves at the Fort’s Main Post Cemetery.
“We're here to place a wreath on my dad's grave,” Jerry Cole said.
Cole’s dad, Clarence Edward McCune, served in World War II, the Korean War and then retired at Fort Knox. He later died of cancer.
“We have actually visited Normandy and the national cemetery, so I just think it's important that we remember our veterans,” Cole said.
Cole joined a few hundred volunteers in placing wreaths on the cemetery’s 850 headstones. Veterans, war casualties, prisoners of war and their dependents lie at Fort Knox.
“We’re going to honor (and) remember those who certainly served and are buried here at Fort Knox cemetery," said Maj. Gen. Johnny K. Davis, Fort Knox commander. "It's a beautiful location as you look around. But what a wonderful opportunity it is to lay a wreath, honor them on this very special holiday and think about them as we enter Christmas."
Wreaths Across America organized Wreaths Across America Day to remember, honor and teach others about veterans in every state. More than two million volunteers placed wreaths nationally.
“Never forget, and that's why we give back; we never forget," Davis said. "Their service is so very important that we understand we are a powerful nation because of these young men and women who served."
Cole is passing down the torch to her children so her father is always remembered.
“In fact, we … have a daughter and a granddaughter here, so we have three generations here,” Cole said.
Cole said she will be back next year.
The wreath-laying began more than 30 years ago and is still held annually on the second or third Saturday of December.