By: Janet Snyder
Civil Air Patrol Major James Grindstaff welcomed the largest crowd ever at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City. By 8 a.m. the Chapel was filled, all seats were taken and people were standing. Chairs were set up outside on both sides of the Chapel, and they were filled. Major Grindstaff said there were 6,500 wreaths to be distributed, and the goal is to have 10,000 next year.
Civil Air Patrol Colonel Carol Lynn said the reason we start at 9:00 a.m. in Nevada is because that is the same time Wreaths Across America Day starts at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., at 12:00 p.m.
Leaders were recognized, including Chris Naylor, Superintendent, Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Colonel Lynn thanked the many individuals and organizations who make this event a team effort, and will continue on Saturday, January 26th when they will do the Wreath Clean up. All are welcome to help. There was an insert in the program for people to fill out, to volunteer to assist with honoring our deceased veterans and families at the annual Wreaths Across America Day. You can email to kennethlucia@yahoo.com, or call 702-218-6703, to let them know what you would like to do.
After the wreath laying many of us attended the Veterans Brunch Buffet at the Historic Railroad Pass ‘DeSimone Steakhouse’ restaurant, hosted by Denise Ashurst and Prideinpurity International. It was a fundraiser for the next PrideinPurity trip to Guatemala and for the Society of Military Widows of Southern Nevada Chapter 34.
