MARION COUNTY, Ky. — Remember the Fallen. Honor those who Serve. Teach our children the value of Freedom.
That is the goal behind Wreaths Across America, which raises money every year to put a wreath on the headstones of veterans at every national cemetery, in December.
Many of us know about Cave Hill and Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Louisville, but not many know about the one in Lebanon, Kentucky. A group of Marion County High Schoolers are on a mission in the next month, to make sure every veteran buried there gets the recognition they deserve.
The history at Lebanon National Cemetery dates back to the Civil War and has since become the final resting place to some 4,500 soldiers and their families. Over the years, local groups, like Marion County's JROTC, the Patriot Guard and the Civil Air Patrol out of Danville have met on these sacred grounds to pay tribute to those who served, whether participating in a Color Guard or laying a wreath at each headstone. But of the thousands buried here, an average of 400 have received that treatment in recent years.
First Sgt. Philip Chatigny and Sgt. First Class Joe Crepps, are the JROTC instructors at Marin County High School. Their hope this year is to raise enough money to get a wreath for every grave marker.
"Lebanon National Cemetery has always been hit or miss as to where wreaths are laid," Chatigny said. "Compared to others, I'm sure you've seen the pictures of them where every headstone has one, and it's awe inspiring."
"I said, I think we can do better," Crepps said. "Even though it's been around for a while, some people are like, I didn't even know."
"Some of the students have found their grandfather and great grandfather's headstones and have personally put a wreath on them, and that means a lot to them," Chatigny said.
But they need the community's help to ensure no one goes unnoticed.
"I plan on being buried there someday, so that's going to be my final resting place and it's a somber location for myself. Every time I get to go out there and do that and held support them, I'm all for it. I just got to the point, where I just felt the need to do more," Crepps said.
Each wreath costs $17,a small price to pay to remember the men and women who paid so much more.
If you'd like to help, you can donate specifically to Marion County High through the Wreaths Across America Website. You can also specify a grave marker, if you'd like.
This year, more than two million volunteers and supporters will gather on Saturday, December 14 to lay these wreaths, at 4,600 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.
