WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA CONTINUES TO HONOR, TEACH
Willits Wreaths Across America ( WWAA) continued the tradition of gathering to remember the fallen, honoring those who served, and teaching children the value of freedom on the morning of Dec. 19. The day looked different than most years, due to the pandemic, however the day’s mission was still accomplished. The ceremony took place inside the Veterans Hall with limited participants and was live streamed on WWAA Facebook page.
To minimize the number of people at the ceremony, Roger Ham performed most of the ceremonial duties. He read the memorial prayer and gave a speech. He said, “There are millions of Americans gathered together, safely, as one nation to remember, honor and teach. We are all proud to be American and live in a free society made up of many people, from many walks of life. The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. Lying here before us, and in cemeteries around the nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we could live in freedom and without fear. We can worship as we see fit, we can raise our children to believe as we do. We are free to vote for leaders of our choosing. And, we have the right to succeed and we have the right to fail at whatever endeavor we wish to pursue. The United States of America was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice and equality. Our nation stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the word. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free and we shall not forget you, we shall remember.”
He reminded those listening of the sacrifice made by those who have served, as well as their families. The rest of the speech is available on the WWAA Facebook page and on their Youtube channel. United States Navy Veteran, Bob Green and FFA member Catie Spackman placed the memorial wreaths representing each branch of the military.
After the minimally attended ceremony, Willits 4H and FFA members and families met the group at the Cemetery District of Redwoods off Highway 20. Alexis England reminded the children to say the name of the soldier out loud as they placed the wreath. Volunteers then placed a wreath on every Veteran’s grave in all three Willits Cemeteries.
The event was co- organized by Natalie Spackman and Alexis England. Spackman said, “Although our WAA ceremony looked a bit different this year, we were able to honor our Veterans just the same. We did a Facebook Live Video that can be viewed on our page ‘ Willits Wreaths Across America’ as well as our YouTube channel. We then proceeded onto the three Willits cemeteries for wreath placement. We would like to thank Roger Ham, Post 174 Adjutant, US Navy Veteran, for his amazing voice and presence.” Spackman and England also thanked Bob Green, Catie Spackman, Flowers by Annette and the dedicated Willits 4H & FFA members and families that helped with wreath placement.
Spackman expressed appreciation for those that made the day possible. She said, “Our community is amazing and we ( herself and England) are very grateful!”
Spackman explained that they have been able to meet their goal of 504 sponsored wreaths every year for the past few years. Wreaths Across America currently has a Wreath Match Program. All wreaths purchased from a registered WAA Sponsorship Group before Jan. 15, 2021 will be matched by headquarters for placement next year. Spackman said, “It’s a great opportunity to double the reward and ensure each grave gets covered.” Email willitswaa@gmail.com for more information.
Editor’s Note: The Willits News was assured that those participants pictured not wearing face masks are a part of the same cohort.