Fort Bayard National Cemetry is all dressed up for the season with wreaths on many of the graves. (Photo Courtesy of Rob Narvaez)
The Wreaths Across America to remember those who have served and who have died in service to the U.S. to keep the nation free took place Saturday morning at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.
Jim Zawacki of the Veterans of Foreign Wars served as moderator. He began the ceremony, as it was begun at cemeteries across the nation at 10 a.m. this morning, with a full minute of silence "to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces in service to this great nation."
He noted that the first and second years of the program, about 40-60 wreaths were laid on graves. Last year the number grew to 569, thanks to efforts of Mary Cowan, and this year more than double the number, with 1,180 wreaths purchased. The company providing the wreaths actually sent 1.404 wreaths, with free shipping thanks to a trucking company.
"If we continue to double over the next two years, we will have a wreath for every grave," Zawacki said.
Photos by Mary Alice Murphy
Wreaths Across America 2013
Wreaths Across America 2013
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 328 Color Guard presents the colors.
Wreaths Across America 2013
The American flag and the New Mexico flag blow in the breeze
Wreaths Across America 2013
Adrian Melon of Boy Scout Troop 930 led the Pledge of Allegiance
Wreaths Across America 2013
Tip Cowan lays the wreath to honor those who serve or have served in the U.S. Army
Wreaths Across America 2013
Robert Lopez laod the wreath in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps
Wreaths Across America 2013
Luis Montenegro laid the wreath in honor of the U.S. Navy
Wreaths Across America 2013
Chuck Whitley laid the wreath in honor of the U.S. Air Force.
Wreaths Across America 2013
Jennie Reynolds laid the wreath to honor the U.S. Coast Guard
Wreaths Across America 2013
Debbie Root laid the wreath to honor the Merchant Marines
Wreaths Across America 2013
Damian Martinez snaps off a salute after honoring the POW/MIAs with a wreath.
Wreaths Across America 2013
Richard Mitchem of the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society lays a wreath to honor those buried at Fort Bayard.
Wreaths Across America 2013
Dr. John Bell of the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society lays a wreath to honor the Nurses Corps, which served at Fort Bayard
Wreaths Across America 2013
Cecilia Bell of the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society lays a wreath to honor families of those who served at Fort Bayard.
Wreaths Across America 2013
The Hi Lo Silvers sang the National Anthem and America the Beautiful
Wreaths Across America 2013
Richard Erwin Jr. of the Gaffney-Oglesby Marine Corps League Detachment 1368 plays Taps at the end of the ceremony.
Wreaths Across America 2013
The colors, blazing in the sunlight, are retired.
Wreaths Across America 2013
a wreath graces a grave.