Wreaths Across America , a non-profit 501- ( c ) ( 3 ) organization . As of 2022 , over 3,400 cemeteries nationwide observe the remembrance ceremony .
Wreaths Across America ’ s motto , stated on their website , is to “ remember our fallen U . S . veterans , honor those who serve , and teach your children to the value of freedom .”
Today , after observing the ceremony for six years , nearly 1,500 veterans have been identified at Fairlawn .
“
We ’ d have someone say , ‘ Oh , by the way , my grandpa was in the Spanish-American War ,’” Watkins said . “ Then we would go and locate the grave and verify their grandpa ’ s service in the military .” Over time , a lot of military grave markers had sunk into the ground and grass had grown over them .
Debbie Walling , a former sexton at Fairlawn , would carry a metal rod as she mowed the grass . She could tell by the sound of the mower when she ran over a grave . “ She said the sound of the mower was different ,” Watkins said .
Walling would dig up the military plaque , bring them inside the office , and polish them . She found more military graves at Fairlawn than anyone else .
Watkins continued passion and leadership for the Wreaths Across America ceremony shines through in the notes she wrote in one program schedule .
“ Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful
America ,” she said . “ These live Balsam 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 sacrifices every day on our behalf .” Gen . Dollar shared an important insight . “ Fewer and fewer people serve , so people are less and less familiar with military service . There ’ s no direct connection to someone who served ,” he said . “ But how privileged we are to have the country we have , and this is an opportunity to honor and recognize our service men and women .”
Only half a percent of the United States population currently serves today , notes Opdyke . “ This country is special ,” he said . “ Everyone should [ have the chance to ] serve .”
Watkins hopes that the next generation will understand that freedom isn ’ t free .
“ Freedom has come at a great cost , and someday they may have to pay that price ,” she said .
This year ’ s ceremony will be 11 a . m . Saturday , Dec . 17 . Guests are encouraged to arrive at 10:45 a . m . Active and retired service members and their families may wear their uniforms or other insignia of service . Refreshments
SwOk will be served following the ceremony .
STORY BY : JESSICA MARSHALL Stillwater Oklahoma Magazine
PHOTOS : Provided
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 15