MOSS POINT—Mississippi will join other states across the country on December 13 to as part of Wreaths Across America to honor veterans who are interned in cemeteries across the state.
Wreaths Across America is an annual event that started in 2007 designed to remember, honor and teach others about the service of veterans. More than two million volunteers and supporters gather annually at more than 5,200 participating locations across the country, at sea and abroad.
Historic Griffin Cemetery in Moss Point is one of those locations where a ceremony will take place to honor those veterans who have been laid to rest. The annual event in Moss Point is in its fifth year of participation. Kathleen Lang, one of the event coordinators, said that 223 veteran graves have been identified in the cemetery, but she is certain there are others who are not marked as veterans.
“Our short program will begin at precisely 11 a.m. to remember and honor our veterans,” Mrs. Lang said. The keynote speaker this year will be E9, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Master Chief Dobbs Dennis, U.S. Navy retired.
Following the program, wreaths will be placed on sponsored graves. Volunteers are needed to help with the placement of wreaths.
The national theme for this year’s events is “Keep Moving Forward” and is inspired by the final words of Captain Joshua Byers, United States Army, KIA, in Fallujah, Iraq, July 23, 2003. Capt. Byers was the Company Commander of Fox Troop in the 2/3ACR service in Iraq in 2003 when an IED struck his Humvee. Reports shared from his troop say that as the smoke filled the air, Josh gave his driver a last command: “…keep moving forward.” Although Byers didn’t make it home, his command did, indeed move forward and saved lives. And today, his final words have become a battle cry for his unit and family.
“There will always be challenges to overcome as individuals, communities and a country, but we must keep moving forward together,” said Wreaths Across America Executive Director Karen Worcester on the event website. “This year, we will share not only the Byers’ story of resilience but also the stories of many others who continue to live with purpose every day and have chosen to keep moving forward.”
With the help of Moss Point resident Deidre DenBlyker, Mrs. Lang began organizing the Griffin Cemetery event in Moss Point to honor the memory of her stepson, Timothy Paul Lang.
“He served in the U.S. Navy, and is the son of Roy Lang,” she said. “After a three-month submarine tour, a doctor discovered he had cancer in his brain.”
As many older veterans have no family visiting gravesites, wreaths for Griffin Cemetery or any participating cemetery may be purchased in memory of veterans anywhere. Wreaths cost only $17 through Wreaths Across America. Click here to purchase a wreath.
*Photos credit: Susan Stachowski
