Wreaths Across America Deadline Friday

Fallen veterans will be honored as Wreaths Across America returns to Overton County.

The organization places wreaths on the graves of fallen veterans. Overton County Coordinator Steve Vaughn said placing wreaths on the graves has been a great way to honor those who allow us to celebrate the holidays.

“It’s just to remember them during the time of everybody celebrating Christmas and family times and it’s just a good time to remember those folks that gave all,” Vaughn said. “Some of them lived long lives and some of them were shortened and it’s just to remember them and the time to just love on them.”

Vaughn said part of the organization’s mission is to teach children the value of our freedom. Vaughn said the veterans have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom today. The deadline to order a wreath is Friday.

“You stand there and you really appreciate that person,” Vaughn said. “Some of these have been gone for several years and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are so good about helping us every year and to stand there and just thank them for their service and speak their name out and it just speaks volumes over the youth that we have that is willing to have us.”

Vaughn said Wreaths Across America has been in Overton County for about seven years. Vaughn said each wreath is $17 and the funds raised go to cover the cost of the wreaths.

“We have truck drivers that donate their time to deliver these things so that’s why they are inexpensive,” Vaughn said. “It’s just a great little memento to place that wreath just in the memory.”

Residents can order a wreath by visiting Speck Funeral Home or calling them at (931) 823-1201.