HAMPTON ROADS, Va. — Communities across the water gathered on a cloudy, cold day to spread holiday cheer and honor those who have given their lives for this country.
Sponsored by the Daughters of America Revolution, the communities of Norfolk and Hampton both held events, laying wreaths on the tombstones of our fallen soldiers, and participating in the annual event "Wreaths Across America."
Army veterans, cadets of the Junior ROTC, and local organizations held ceremonies at the Norfolk Forest Lawn Cemetery in the morning and the Hampton National Cemetery in the afternoon.
"It is very personal, and I think an emotional experience for everybody. And I think it's important for the younger generation to know the stories of the veterans and to hear about them," said Carolyn Guenveur, a retired Navy nurse and Regent of the Lynnhaven Daughters American Revolutionary.
The service included sounds of bagpipes, horns and speeches with uplifting words directed at the youth to get involved and to encourage all to continue to say their names.
They ask that volunteers return next year on Jan. 14 to pick the wreaths back up.
