Fayetteville, Arkansas – Volunteers gathered at Fayetteville National Cemetery on Saturday morning to retire wreaths that had been placed on graves during December’s Wreaths Across America ceremony, continuing a meaningful tradition of honoring military service long after the holiday season has passed. The event, which began at 9 a.m., invited community members to help remove and transport wreaths that had adorned the resting places of veterans, ensuring that the tributes were handled with care and respect. Despite the cold winter weather, a record number of volunteers showed up, and the cemetery was cleared of the holiday wreaths in less than an hour.
Jannie Layne, president and founder of Bo’s Blessings, emphasized that events like this go far beyond a single day of recognition. “If you speak someone’s name that is deceased, they’re never forgotten,” she said, highlighting the importance of keeping memories alive and passing that reverence to future generations. Layne encouraged families and community members to visit the cemetery and take the time to learn more about the veterans laid to rest there.
“We encourage people to come out, to take a snapshot of a headstone, and research that soldier, that veteran, and learn about the heroes that are buried here,” Layne said. She added a personal note, sharing the profound connection she has with the cemetery. “My greatest hero is buried here. My son is buried here.” This personal connection underscores the deep emotional significance such volunteer events can hold for those who have lost loved ones to military service.
For many veterans and their families, witnessing the community’s involvement in retiring wreaths can be a moving experience. Layne shared that during Saturday’s event, she met a veteran and his wife who were participating for the first time. “This is their first time to help, and this is where they’re going to be buried,” she said. “Them seeing the impact this event has on the community and other veterans makes them know they’ve chosen the correct place to be buried.” The sight of neighbors, fellow veterans, and young volunteers coming together to honor those who served can provide reassurance and a sense of shared respect for the sacrifices made by military families.
Layne also spoke about the long-term goals of the wreath retirement events, noting the importance of cultivating a culture of remembrance among younger generations. “It grows the next generation, so when people like me are gone, someone else like you or a younger person will take over this project,” she said. She stressed that teaching responsibility and respect early is essential to preserving the legacy of military service. “If we don’t teach the next generation, our generation will be the last generation that recognizes, honors, and respects our veterans,” Layne added.
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The event not only serves as a way to carefully retire holiday wreaths but also as a living lesson in community engagement, civic duty, and the importance of remembering those who served. By involving volunteers of all ages, Fayetteville National Cemetery ensures that the values of honor, respect, and gratitude remain alive and relevant for years to come.
Fayetteville National Cemetery, located at 1000 South Lt. Col. Leroy Pond Avenue, encourages anyone interested in wreath retirement or future events to contact the cemetery directly at (479) 442-2566. With the strong community participation seen this past Saturday, it is clear that the tradition of honoring veterans is not limited to the holiday season but continues to resonate deeply throughout the year.
