On Saturday, Damian and I went with my parents to the Fort Smith National Cemetery, where both of my maternal grandparents were put to rest. (My grandfather was in WWII). We were there for the ceremony of the wreaths, which takes place in national cemeteries across America every second Saturday of December.
There was hot chocolate, prayer, a children's choir, a flyover by the Air National Guard, a 21 gun salute, and two trumpeters, who played taps. It was emotional but also beautiful and joyful, as I sensed unified feelings of respect, honor, and gratitude.
My mother officially declared the ceremony of the wreaths a new family tradition. She's The Mom. She can do that. :)
You can read more about the ceremony here, if you like.
Oh my gosh, this is so heart warming! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Noelani
Very neat!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea and what a wonderful tradition to now be a part of.
ReplyDeletesuch a wonderful idea!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great new tradition.
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The ceremony sounds just wonderful! I love traditions -- both new and old.
ReplyDeleteI am super excited about this new family tradition! Next year!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds really cool. I wonder if the national cemetery where my grandpa was buried does that (if he was buried in one. He died long after serving in WWII and I'm not sure where he was buried).
ReplyDeleteEvery day you learn something new. How great was learning about this tradition. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a nice day to be together and keep alive the memories of the ones who gave their lives for their country. Understand why your mum decided to make it a family tradition. It's full of symbols.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a beautiful tradition.
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