Today marked my second consecutive year as a Wreaths Across America volunteer. Last year’s event was unlike any other tradition I experienced, and I wanted to volunteer again this year.
Today I discovered that Wreaths Across America is fast becoming one of my favorite holiday traditions. On a sunny morning in San Diego, Calif., hundreds of volunteers descended upon Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery to pay their respects to military men and women who have gone before us and place wreaths at their graves.
A sense of duty resonates deeply at a military cemetery on any morning, and even more so when thousands of people gather there to pay their respects together.
Something about seeing thousands of graves decorated with wreaths all at once is quite moving. At its core, Wreaths Across America goes beyond simply decorating graves. It resurrects the memories of millions of military servicemen and women. After all, not every grave site sees a visitor in recent years.
The individuals gain renewed prominence by receiving the honor of a wreath placed on the grave.
“Wreaths commemorate our commitment as Americans to honor the fallen,” said Joanne Murphy in 
her opening remarks at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. She implored volunteers to “place the wreaths and seek to learn more about these real American heroes.”
I felt gratified to volunteer again and immerse myself in a special tradition.
Placing a wreath on a grave is such a simple thing, and yet its impact is so profound.
For more great photos and video of this special Wreaths Across America ceremony, connect with Drive My Way on Facebook here.
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