Wreaths Across America celebrated at the West Point Cemetery

Photo By Lt. Col. Cory Angell | Wreaths Across America was celebrated at the West Point Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 1 at noon. Hundreds gathered for the event emplacing one wreath on each grave in the cemetery. Dr. Todd Crowder, United States Military Academy professor, presided as the master of ceremonies for the event. Crowder invited gold star family members to gather the wreath for their loved ones and stand to be recognized by the crowd. Others who had come to place wreaths for their loved ones were also named as they retrieved their wreaths.  

WEST POINT, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

12.01.2018

Story by Cory Angell 

U.S. Army Garrison West Point

Wreaths Across America was celebrated at the West Point Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 1 at noon. Hundreds gathered for the event emplacing one wreath on each grave in the cemetery. Dr. Todd Crowder, United States Military Academy professor, presided as the master of ceremonies for the event.

“This is the ninth year we have held this event,” said Crowder to the throng of people in attendance. “This is the fourth year that we have been able to place a wreath at every grave here.”

Crowder invited gold star family members to gather the wreath for their loved ones and stand to be recognized by the crowd. Others who had come to place wreaths for their loved ones were also named as they retrieved their wreaths.

“This is a wonderful event,” said West Point Garrison Commander, Col. Harry C. Marson. “This is the Army’s oldest post cemetery having been established in 1817. There are some of our countries greats buried here so this is a very special place and all those involved in this event should be commended.”

According to the cemetery’s brochure Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, Maj. Gen. Daniel Butterfield (composer of Taps) and Lt. Col. George Custer as well as some astronauts, and 18 Medal of Honor recipients are just some of those who made the cemetery their final resting place.

“The point of today is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and to teach our children the value of freedom,” said Crowder. “Having seen the efforts of some of the young people involved in this event I’m proud to say our future is looking bright.”

• Date Taken: 12.01.2018
• Date Posted: 12.02.2018 10:24
• Story ID: 301905
• Location: WEST POINT, NEW YORK, US