Wreaths laid for Seattle veterans: ‘One of the most important things I do’
Seattle veterans honor fallen soldiers during 'Wreaths Across America' event
Wreaths Across America Day commenced at more than 4,600 locations across the United States today. The events honored fallen soldiers and veterans alike who came out even in Seattle's cold and rainy conditions Sunday to pay respects.
SEATTLE - More than two million volunteers across the country laid wreaths on the graves of veterans at more than 4,600 locations on Saturday, including in Seattle, according to non-profit Wreaths Across America.
The effort is part of Wreaths Across America Day. A day to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach the next generation.
"Today is all about recognizing and honoring veterans across the United States," Tim Zenk, the Chair of Wreaths Across America for the Lakeview Cemetery and President of the Sons of the American Revolution of Seattle said.
The volunteers made sure the graves of the 550 veterans buried here at Lakeview Cemetery, some since the 1800’s, each had a wreath.
"Personally, this is one of the most important things I do every year," Zenk said. "This means so much because in this cemetery we have veterans that serve from the Civil War all the way through every engagement since that time. And this is a historic cemetery for the city of Seattle, so not only are the veterans here but some of the most important people and founders of our community, and so we are here to honor and recognize everybody today."
While this ceremony was happening here at home, it was also happening at the Arlington National Cemetery and thousands of other cemeteries across the United States.
"What makes today different from Veterans’ Day is that we’re also honoring those veterans who can’t be with us and those empty seats around the table during the holidays," Cmdr. Alyson Teeter of Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063 said.
She told FOX 13 what she really appreciates about this day is the youth involvement.
"We have Sea Cadets here, we have Scouts here and so the older and younger generations come together to honor the veterans who are no longer with us," Tetter said.
With the holidays here, she adds, it’s important to gather and serve together, as well as honor and remember our veterans.
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