CULLMAN, Ala. – Three Cullman County cemeteries will take part in this year’s Wreaths Across America tribute, joining thousands of locations across the country in honoring the men and women who served in the U.S. military.
Ceremonies will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. at both Cullman City Cemetery and Holly Pond Cemetery. Duck River Cemetery will also participate, with its wreath placement ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. in partnership with the national program.
The annual effort ensures fallen service members are remembered during the holiday season through the placement of evergreen wreaths and the reading of each veteran’s name aloud. This year, Cullman supporters surpassed expectations with 1,410 wreaths sponsored, 12.8% over the goal, exceeding it by 160 wreaths to date. Each wreath costs $17, with proceeds covering the production and delivery of wreaths for veterans in every participating cemetery.
For Anita Winslow, treasurer of the Dripping Springs Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and longtime local coordinator, the mission is deeply rooted in family, history and gratitude.
“Growing up in Cullman, I was aware of several veterans in my life from an early age,” Winslow said. “I have veterans in my family from current conflicts all the way back to the Revolutionary War – cousins, uncles, grandfathers, my father-in-law and my dad. Friends from high school and college who chose to join the U.S. military. Some of these people never came home. I have an uncle who died during WWII and is buried in Luxembourg; he was from Cullman.
“My dad, Larry ‘Danny’ Farr, was a veteran of the United States Army, Vietnam. He was involved with several veterans’ organizations and with Wreaths Across America, offering wreaths to church members, friends and family. My father-in-law, John (Jack) Winslow, was a retired United States Air Force Tech Sergeant,” she shared. “Both men have died in the last few years, but both were patriotic in their own way. What I do each year with Wreaths Across America is a way to honor all of these people and what they believed in.”
Winslow added that the meaning of the ceremony becomes even more profound during the holiday season.
“Christmastime and the holiday season, I believe, is when we really realize what they gave up; that’s why placing these wreaths every year is so important. It’s a time to reflect and say thank you,” she explained. “Remembering these men and women and honoring their service and sacrifice with a wreath is just a small token of my appreciation.”
As personal as the tradition is for Winslow, she emphasized that Wreaths Across America has grown into a collective effort, one that the entire community now works toward together. The support from Cullman residents, churches, civic groups and businesses has transformed what began as a small remembrance into a countywide movement.
“About 300 wreaths were placed the first year,” she said. “Each year, we have gotten closer to our goal of a wreath for every veteran buried in Cullman City Cemetery. Last year, we placed 1,050 wreaths, but were still short of covering every veteran’s grave.
“We knew this year we would have to start early and work harder to reach our goal. That’s where the businesses and community members have been amazing,” she stated. “The corporate, small business, organizational and personal donations that were made in the last year have made it possible to reach our goal this year.”
Winslow said that continued collaboration with local veteran and civic organizations has helped turn Wreaths Across America into a true community project. “We couldn’t do it without them,” she noted, adding that the long-term vision is to expand their reach. Their hope for next year, she said, is “to have enough donations and wreaths sponsored to cover additional cemeteries in Cullman” so even more veterans across the county can be honored.
“Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. That’s the mission of Wreaths Across America,” she added.
“Placing the wreath, saying the name of the veteran aloud and thanking them for their service makes it a personal experience,” Winslow said. “When you see a mom or dad walking with a child helping them place a wreath, or a group of veterans sharing stories, there is a feeling of community, of something bigger than ourselves.
“We have veterans of all ages and many generations buried in our cemeteries, but we also have veterans who need our help that are living here in Cullman,” she explained. “When you see everyone coming out to remember their fallen veterans, I hope it reminds us we should remember to support all of our veterans.”
With that increased momentum and strong community support behind it, Holly Pond Cemetery will host its first Wreaths Across America ceremony this year, while Duck River Cemetery will hold its second, allowing more than 400 additional veterans to be honored.
Holly Pond volunteer coordinator Amber Lambert echoed Winslow’s appreciation for community involvement in a community post on the Holly Pond Funeral Home Facebook page.
“Both Duck River Cemetery and Holly Pond Cemetery will be joining with cemeteries across the nation this holiday season to participate in Wreaths Across America,” Lambert said. “Each wreath costs $17, and no service member will go without a wreath. They also need family members and members of the community to help honor those we love and appreciate.”
She added that the Holly Pond ceremony will include a short service before volunteers place wreaths throughout the cemetery, where they will remain throughout the holiday season.
“They are inviting us as both family members and the community to participate in this beautiful tribute,” she said.
“Community members, there will be service members with no family in attendance,” she added. “Will you stand in for their family and lay a wreath on their grave for them?”
She also expressed gratitude to the local cemetery officials and volunteers who maintain these grounds year-round, describing their work as a labor of love.
Those wishing to sponsor a wreath or sign up to volunteer can do so at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
