In a recent post, we highlighted the annual participation of the South Carolina State Guard in the Wreaths Across America program. Today, we turn our focus to the Georgia State Defense Force’s involvement in this initiative. Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 by Morrill Worcester, a wreath producer, embodies a deep sense of national patriotism. Supported by veterans and truckers alike, the program has made a significant impact nationwide. Its core activity involves distributing Veteran’s wreaths for placement on graves in military cemeteries, symbolizing respect and remembrance for fallen heroes. This initiative gained further recognition in December 2008 when the United States Senate passed a resolution declaring December 13, 2008, as “Wreaths Across America Day.” This not only underscored the importance of the program but also encouraged communities across the country to join in this respectful and moving tradition. Over the years, Wreaths Across America has seen remarkable growth, drawing thousands of volunteers annually to lay wreaths in honor of those who have served in the armed forces.

In a similar act of remembrance and honor, soldiers from the Georgia State Defense Force recently visited the Georgia National Cemetery to lay wreaths on the graves of veterans. This act of homage is not a one-time occurrence but an annual tradition for the Georgia State Defense Force, demonstrating their commitment to honoring those who served. This year, their efforts were bolstered by collaboration with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department and other community agencies. Together, they participated in this solemn event, ensuring that the memories of fallen heroes are kept alive through their actions and reverence. This yearly event serves as a testament to the ongoing dedication and respect the Georgia State Defense Force and their community partners hold for the nation’s veterans.

Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers support Wreaths Across America, Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, Ga., Dec. 16. 2023.

Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers join representatives from the Cherokee County sheriff’s department and other community agencies supporting Wreaths Across America, Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, Ga., Dec. 16, 2023.

(Georgia State Defense Force photos by Warrant Officer 3 Raymond Clunie, Sgt. Lauren Boyle-Estheimer)