Laying of wreaths to honor local veterans

When a military veteran dies, they die twice — once when their life is taken, and again when their name is never spoken again.

That, said Lt. Paul Oplinger, is why when on Saturday, Dec. 17, when people gather at Gaston Memorial Park to lay wreaths on the graves of veterans, they'll thank that veteran and say their name.

The event, part of a national effort called Wreaths Across America, is sponsored in Gaston County by the Gastonia Squadron of Civil Air Patrol, which raises funds throughout the year to buy wreaths for the December ceremony.

At noon on Dec. 17 beside the Memorial Wall, there will be a ceremony honoring veterans, and then wreaths will be placed on their graves.

"The biggest thing is just making sure people are aware that we have our veterans, honoring our veterans, teaching our children about the sacrifices our veterans have made for our freedoms, our liberties," Oplinger said.

This year, they will lay 685 wreaths at the cemetery.

"So we'll basically fill up that entire side of the cemetery over there by the Carothers Funeral Home and the wall," Oplinger said.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that helps coordinate the laying of wreaths at more than 3,000 cemeteries nationwide, and even some overseas.

The public is invited to the Dec. 17 memorial service and placing of the wreaths.

Reporter Kara Fohner can be reached at 704-869-1850 or at kfohner@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gaston County veterans to be honored by wreaths, memorial service