Franklin County 'Wreaths' event honors soldiers

Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church and Franklin County High School’s Junior ROTC program took part in a wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 18 as one of more than 3,000 locations participating in the “Wreaths Across America” initiative.

Dannye Cameron, who leads Rose Hill’s Veterans Outreach Ministry, said the ceremony was a way for Americans to show honor and respect to service members and teach younger generations the value of freedom.

“The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price,” he said. “Laying here before us in this cemetery, and in cemeteries throughout the nation, are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom.

“Our 40th United States President, Ronald Reagan, (said), ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men (were) free.’

“The United States of America was founded on the idea of freedom, justice and equality. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free. And we shall not forget you. We shall remember.

“Today, more than ever, we reflect on our nation’s veterans and active-duty service members who all continue to fight for our freedom. Many of you here today served this country well, and for that we say thank you.

“These live balsam fir wreaths symbolize our honor to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces of our great nation. And to their families, who endure sacrifice every day on our behalf.

“To our children, we want you to understand that the freedoms you enjoy today are not just free, but have come with a cost that someday you may have to pay yourself.”

Retired Col. Lynn Pippin, who serves as FCHS JROTC instructor, also spoke at the gathering and thanked those planning Saturday’s ceremony for allowing his students to a part of it.

“These graves behind us have a story of sacrifice behind them,” he said.

“These wreaths on stands over here represent something much greater than a circle of greenery. They represent a symbol of sacrifice — sacrifice for freedom.

“What’s so important to me, and that I’m so thankful to you all for, is that you’re passing this appreciation down to this generation.

“These young men and women that are wearing uniforms today, my challenge to you is that when you assume a position of leadership in our society that no matter your political interest, no matter your race, no matter your ethnicity or your religious background, you always treasure and remember that freedom isn’t free.

“It’s something that we must all stand up for, and that we must pass from generation to generation … a love of country, a love of the opportunity to live somewhere that we can be free.”

During the ceremony, the JROTC placed wreaths on stands to honor members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, Space Force and those who were either prisoners of war or missing in action.

At the conclusion of the local program, Cameron invited those who had family members in the cemetery off U.S. Highway 98 East to retrieve wreaths to place on their loved ones’ graves, and those who wished to place wreaths on graves of departed veterans were given the opportunity to do so.

In addition, Cameron presented JROTC participants with miniature American flags as a way to remember the day, as well as a large flag to be flown at the armory.

He also gave Pippin and retired Staff Sgt. Marjorie De La Garza, who is also a FCHS JROTC instructor, with United States Army flags as a token of thanks for their service to the country.

Cameron also invited Franklin County residents to become an active part of the Veterans Outreach Ministry, which works to honor and support past and present Armed Services members, by calling 601-384-5898 or 601-597-4643.