Locals gather to pay tribute to veterans during Wreaths Across America in Ridgeland.
On December 14, the community of Ridgeland held a moving ceremony for Wreaths Across America, honoring veterans by placing wreaths on their graves. Local residents, including veterans and families, participated in remembering those who sacrificed for their country. The event saw 235 wreaths laid as part of a national initiative to ensure veterans are honored and remembered, illustrating the community’s deep respect and commitment towards its heroes.
This past December 14, the tight-knit community of Ridgeland came together for a heartfelt ceremony as part of Wreaths Across America, a special event dedicated to honoring our nation’s heroes—our veterans. The atmosphere was filled with remembrance and respect as volunteers, locals, and families placed beautiful wreaths on the grave markers of those who have served and sacrificed so much.
Among the volunteers was Pat Frederico, a resident of nearby Sun City, who placed a wreath on the grave of World War II veteran J.E. Horton Jr.. Although she never met him, Frederico felt a profound connection to honor a fellow serviceman. After serving in the Army herself and working in human resources while stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, she passionately supports veterans and wishes to ensure they are remembered.
This year, Frederico and her husband chose to participate in the ceremony at Ridgeland Cemetery after joining similar events at the Beaufort National Cemetery in the past. They aimed to support their local community and show respect for the veterans who have laid to rest in their hometown, where there is often more intimate volunteer participation than at larger national cemeteries.
In a similar spirit, Celeste Lucas, a native of Ridgeland, paid tribute by placing wreaths on the graves of her husband, Harvey Lucas, a U.S. Army and National Guard veteran, as well as her father, James Taylor, who had served in the Navy. Lucas shared her commitment to Wreaths Across America in both Ridgeland and Gillisonville, emphasizing the importance of teaching the younger generation to respect and remember our veterans and their incredible sacrifices.
Richard Dean, the coordinator for Ridgeland’s Wreaths Across America event, announced that volunteers had successfully placed wreaths on all 235 veteran graves in the cemetery. His efforts were part of a much larger nationwide initiative, which encompasses over 3,700 participating cemeteries across the United States. This incredible movement was founded back in 1992 by Morrill Worcester with the noble goal of honoring our veterans through wreath-laying ceremonies.
The sentiment of gratitude and support extended beyond Ridgeland, with additional events occurring in nearby Hardeeville. There, volunteers gathered to place wreaths at City Hall, accompanied by a formal ceremony honoring local veterans. Among the attendees was local Town Council member Tommy Rhodes, who highlighted the significance of these acts of remembrance.
The ceremony at Ridgeland also included a heartfelt component at the Ridgeland Veterans Memorial Park, where students from Thomas Heyward Academy took part by placing wreaths on memorial markers. Involvement from the younger generation like Nicholas Wall, Mallory Rountree, and Myles Lamb showcased a commitment to remembering the sacrifices of past heroes.
Furthermore, students contributed musical performances during the ceremony at Grimes Cemetery in Grays, bringing a sense of joy and unity to the event with their singing.
On the same day, the atmosphere was equally uplifting at the Beaufort National Cemetery, where hundreds of volunteers gathered to honor over 26,000 headstones, truly showing the expansive reach and spirit of Wreaths Across America.
As the wreaths were laid and the memories shared, the community of Ridgeland and beyond demonstrated an unwavering commitment to honoring the men and women who have bravely served our country. Wreaths Across America is more than an event—it serves as a touching reminder of gratitude, respect, and the importance of remembering those who paved the way for our freedoms.
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