HAMPTON, Va. — On Saturday at Hampton National Cemetery, a military spouse non-profit will be laying thousands of wreaths to remember and honor our fallen heroes.
The Navy Wives Clubs of America (NWCA) has joined the national effort of Wreaths Across America for the past 12 years.
"We want to remember the sacrifices they made and the freedom they gave us," said Christina Rowley, the vice president of the NWCA.
Rowley said Saturday's event at Hampton National Cemetery offers a chance for community members to pause, reflect, and remember the stories of those buried.
"We ask everybody to take one of the tags off of each wreath, write down the person's name, so they can go back and research that person," Rowley said.
This cemetery is the burial place for nearly 33,000 servicemen and women, including seven Medal of Honor recipients. Rowley said by the end of the event, every grave marker will be adorned with a wreath. However, she added they are in need of volunteers.
"Yesterday, we took 261 boxes off of moving trucks and there’s 12 wreaths in each box," said Rowley.
She said those who are willing to dedicate their time will play a major part in the event from start to finish.
"Our big thing is people need to come put the wreaths down, they are fluffing the wreaths before we get to the point of putting them on the grave markers, unboxing them," Rowley said.
The wreath ceremony is scheduled to start at noon Saturday and is expected to bring more than 500 guests.
This year's keynote speaker will be 13News Now Anchor Janet Roach and will include appearances from Hampton Mayor-elect Jimmy Gray as well as state and local dignitaries.
Members of the local chapter of the NWCA are calling on more volunteers Saturday and also wreath cleanup day on January 11.