SALISBURY, MD - Today marks National Wreaths Across America Day, where an estimated two million volunteers across the nation joined forces with the non-profit organization to honor fallen veterans by placing wreaths on their graves.
Parsons Cemetery in Salisbury is the final resting place for 1,435 veterans. Today, an estimated 300 community members came together with the goal of paying tribute to each and every one of them through the Wreaths Across America initiative.
Jeff Merritt from Operation We Care, who helped coordinate the event, emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifice made by veterans, acknowledging that our daily freedoms are the result of their commitment.
"The citizens of our city, county, state, country, we enjoy freedoms every day. Sometimes those freedoms are taken for granted. We just want to remind people that not everyone has what we have – and we are thankful to live in this country because of them," said Merritt.
The event was attended by several local groups -- many of which local Boy Scout Troops. Merritt says a crucial aspect of the day is teaching the youth about the value of freedom.
Sean Fahey from Troop 149 emphasized the significance of his scouts paying tribute and learning from the experience.
"It is a free country because people fought for that freedom. For the youth to see that and to remember that sacrifice is an important thing so those freedoms are protected in the future going forward."