Abilene community honors heroes with 3,000+ wreaths at Texas State Veterans Cemetery

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Many volunteers gathered at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene to participate in the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony, which honors the heroes who have served to protect our nation. The event started with a missing man formation flyover. Volunteers then placed 3,100 wreaths generously donated by various community members.

17-year-old Eagle Scout Noah Smith, a member of Troop 206, volunteered to help because his family has strong military ties. He has been attending wreath ceremonies since he was a child and encourages other young people across the Big Country to volunteer next year.

“I would always encourage everyone to come to this. It always is a pleasure to help serve the community. It really gives you a sense of patriotism to help serve those who have served us through the military, to help keep our freedom and help make our nation safe,” Smith shared.

Organizers shared that the first wreath ceremony in Abilene took place in 2010, with less than 20 attendees. They are pleased to see how much it has grown over the years; all made possible through the support of donors and volunteers.