The City of Clarksville is gearing up to remember and honor military service members with a wreath-laying ceremony at Riverview Cemetery. Scheduled for December 14 at 9 a.m., the event is part of National Wreaths Across America Day, an initiative where ceremonies are held across the United States and abroad in over 4,500 cemeteries to pay homage to those who have served.
While seeking to adorn the graves of veterans with wreaths, organizers note that over 230 wreaths are still needed to ensure every grave is recognized. The ceremony, now in its fifth year at Riverview Cemetery, is an open invitation to the local community, veterans, active-duty military, and their families, which the event is free of charge, a detail emphasized by the City of Clarksville's announcement.
Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts captured the essence of the event saying, "As a city, we owe it to our fallen heroes to honor their memory, especially during the Christmas holidays. Their service in defense of our great nation as a member of our military should always be remembered and revered. Every year we are inspired by the outpouring of people who show up to help us honor our veterans," in a statement obtained by the City of Clarksville's news release.
Residents and supporters who wish to contribute can sponsor a wreath through a link provided by the city. With each purchase of two wreaths priced at $17 each, a third wreath will be donated to cover another veteran's grave. The deadline for purchasing these tributes is slated for December 3, ahead of the solemn festivities that the wreaths themselves are $17 each, as mentioned in the City's announcement.
