Veterans’ graves adorned with holiday wreaths at Tallahassee National Cemetery
More than 3,000 wreaths were laid Saturday as part of ‘National Wreaths Across America Day.’
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - More than 3,000 wreaths were laid at gravestones at Tallahassee National Cemetery Saturday as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.
Mary Jane Lesley came to lay a wreath at her husband Leon’s grave.
“I miss him,” she said. “When he came back, people didn’t treat him good.”
That wasn’t the only sacrifice he made. Leon suffered serious health complications due to exposure to Agent Orange.
“He’d been sick ever since he was 35,” Mary said of Leon, who died three years ago at age 71.
“Before he died, we had an anniversary party,” Mary said. “We were married 49 years.”
Every year since, Mary has laid a holiday wreath at his grave and sent a message to him.
“That we love him, and we miss him, and we thank him for his service,” Mary said.
Dozens of families were sending similar messages to loved ones on Saturday. Paul Hanson, whose mother and father both served in the military was pleased with how many people participated in decorating the graves.
“It’s great to see the turnout here,” he said. “It’s been fantastic. Just very rewarding to see people recognize what the military’s done.”
Similar wreath-laying ceremonies took place at more than 3,000 cemeteries across the nation including Arlington National Cemetery.
The wreaths are sponsored by local donations. WCTV spotlighted the need during the Eyewitness News at 4 p.m. on Nov. 17. A local organization saw the broadcast and made a $2,000 surprise donation on air within weeks.
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