By “Doc” Doug Stauffer
On Saturday, December 14, 2024, the Beal Cemetery, Gulf Cemetery, Heritage Gardens, Destin Memorial Cemetery and Sunset Cemetery will join more than 3,000 cemeteries nationwide for the annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony. These local events are more than just part of a national program; for many in Okaloosa County, they are deeply personal and significant. The ceremonies include nationally coordinated moments of silence, followed by laying wreaths on veterans’ graves as a simple gesture of gratitude.
While many are familiar with the wreaths program at Arlington National Cemetery, communities throughout America also participate in this solemn tradition. Here in Okaloosa County, Wreaths Across America is a community effort that honors our local veterans and ensures their sacrifices are remembered and never forgotten.
Local volunteers play a crucial role in making this event possible. In Fort Walton Beach, Tom Rice, owner of Magnolia Grill, is a key figure in the Wreaths Across America event. Rice has been instrumental in bringing this event to Beal Memorial Cemetery. He shares that their target goal for wreaths increases annually, with just over 2,000 wreaths expected to be laid at Beal this December. “This year marks the sixth year that veterans buried at Beal Memorial Cemetery will receive wreaths,” Rice explains. “There’s never a day that goes by without a blue tent being raised for a veteran laid to rest at Beal Cemetery. No matter when or where they served, they need to be honored, and that’s the goal.”
The Beal Memorial Cemetery ceremony is a meaningful event showcasing the collaboration between the community and local businesses. Tom Rice highlights the importance of this collective effort: “It takes a community effort.” For instance, the City Produce Company helps by keeping the wreaths in cold storage, and Step One Automotive staff delivers them to the cemetery the day before placement. Last year, nearly 300 volunteers participated, and Rice notes that support continues to grow, with more people stepping up each year. The logistics coordinator, Retired CMSgt Dennis Krebs, expertly manages the staging of volunteers, serves as the NCOIC for Placement Day, and oversees the post-Christmas cleanup of the wreaths at the cemetery.
The 30-minute ceremony will feature remarks by Brigadier General Mark A. Massaro, 96th Test Wing Commander, and the unveiling of wreaths for each military branch, including a new wreath for the Space Force. Wreaths will also be placed in honor of POW/MIA veterans and Gold Star families. Among the attendees will be State Representative Patt Maney, a retired judge and Army Brigadier General, who will raise the Gold Star wreath. Tom Rice, who served as Maney’s First Sergeant in the Army, reflects on the deep meaning of these ceremonies, adding that “honoring all military services is essential.”
“When the wreath is placed,” Rice explains, “the individual performing the placement either gives a hand salute if they served in the military or places their hand over their heart if they did not. It’s a powerful moment of respect.” With each veteran’s wreath placed by a volunteer, he or she is asked to “say their name” to ensure that the legacy of duty, service, and sacrifice is never forgotten.
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the casting of the Veterans Tribute Bell, which will be rung as part of the ceremony. The bell, housed in the Veterans Tribute Tower, further symbolizes the community’s dedication to honoring veterans.
Dora Carrano, who helps coordinate the local Wreaths Across America efforts in Niceville and Valparaiso, brings a unique, personal perspective. She comes from a multi-generational military family. “This has given me a deep appreciation for the military, our service members and the sacrifices they make. Bringing Wreaths Across America to our area gives me and others within the community the opportunity to honor our local veterans, their service and their sacrifice.”
Therese Baker and her son Gaige are dedicated volunteers at the Heritage Gardens and Sunset Cemetery in Niceville. Their participation is not just about the wreaths; it’s about honoring the memory of loved ones like Dave, Therese’s late husband, and others throughout America who have served. “People often hear about the large ceremonies at national cemeteries, but aren’t aware that communities do this locally as well,” Therese shared. “Gaige and I do it to honor Dave and those like him who served for us.” Wreaths are $17 and 1,500 graves need sponsorship. You can join the ceremony on Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home-Cemetery. Wreath placement immediately follows. Contact Dora at wreathsacrossamerica850@gmail.com for more information.
In Destin, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 296 and community volunteers will place wreaths at every veteran’s grave in both the Destin Memorial and Marler cemeteries. “We remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach about freedom,” says Corlene Zieglar, president, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 296. “No matter the weather, they come—all ages, from all walks of life to honor the lives of the veterans who served. Parents bring their children so they can learn about service and sacrifice.”
Wreaths Across America is not merely a one-day event; it is a powerful mission woven into the fabric of our community—a mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and impart the profound value of freedom to the next generation. As we gather this year at local cemeteries, we are reminded that each wreath laid represents more than a gesture; it is a living tribute to our veterans’ courage, sacrifice and legacy. Each live, balsam remembrance wreath is a gift of respect and appreciation, donated by a private citizen or organization and placed on the graves by volunteers as a small gesture of gratitude for the freedoms Americans enjoy. Including children in this solemn act makes it a moment of remembrance and a family tradition that instills reverence for those who have safeguarded our freedoms.
Supporting Wreaths Across America in Okaloosa County offers more than just an opportunity to give back; it provides a chance to ensure that the legacies of our local heroes live on. Whether you sponsor a wreath, volunteer or attend the ceremonies to pay your respects, you contribute to a cause that transcends generations. Through this shared commitment, we ensure that the stories of our veterans are not forgotten but carried forward—reminding us all that freedom is both a gift and a responsibility we must pass down with honor.
For those interested in supporting the local Wreaths Across America efforts, you can sponsor a wreath, volunteer or attend the local ceremony to pay your respects. To sponsor a wreath, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org. Find your location and ceremony and click the red sponsor button.
