Eglin, Community Leaders Honor Military Service

14

Community members, veterans, and military leaders, including Col. Brian Taylor, 96th Test Wing deputy commander, gathered for the 2025 Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery in Fort Walton Beach to honor more than 2,000 veterans laid to rest at this historic site.

251213 F AL359 1054
Tom Rice, Ret. Army 1ST SGT, Veterans Tribute Tower Committee Chair, shakes hands with U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Taylor, 96th Test Wing deputy commander during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony, Dec. 13, 2025, at Beale Memorial Cemetery. Rice and volunteers from the local community helped with logistics and planning for the ceremonial event, in its seventh year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)

Hosted by the Veterans Tribute Tower Committee with support from local, state, and military organizations, the ceremony reflected the national mission of Wreaths Across America to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the value of freedom through remembrance and service.

The event featured a Gold Star wreath unveiling, service roll call, musical tributes, and military honors, uniting the community in a shared commitment to pause, reflect, and take time to remember. The 2025 national WAA theme was, “Keep moving forward.”