12/06/2025
A huge thank you to the community for showing up today to place the Christmas Wreaths on our Veterans graves!!! We did start early because of the weather- for that I am sorry. I didn’t get to share the prepared words so will do it here:
Today, as we gather in this quiet and sacred place, we pause to remember the men and women who gave their strength, their courage, and in many cases their very lives, so that we could live in the blessings of freedom.
These wreaths we lay are more than evergreens and ribbon. They are symbols of eternal gratitude.
The circle represents unending honor.
The evergreen reminds us that courage never fades.
And the red bow speaks of love—our love for those who served and our love for the country they protected.
Each veteran resting here once wore the uniform of the United States of America. They stood watch so others could sleep. They carried burdens so others could stand tall. They answered a call that asked much of them—and often even more of their families.
As we walk among these markers today, we are reminded that freedom is never free. It is paid for by ordinary Americans who did extraordinary things. Their stories may be quiet now, but their legacy speaks loudly through every freedom we enjoy.
Today we say to each one:
We remember you. We honor you. We thank you.
And now, as we prepare to lay these wreaths, I ask that every person take a moment to say a prayer of thanksgiving for the individual whose grave you stand beside—thanking God for their service, their sacrifice, and the gift of the freedom we enjoy because of people like them.
We did share a prayer there but I will share it also:
Heavenly Father,
We bow before You with grateful hearts.
Thank You for the brave men and women who served our nation with courage and conviction.
Thank You for the freedoms we enjoy because of their willingness to defend what is good, just, and true.
Bless their memories today.
Bless the families who still feel their absence.
And bless our community as we honor them with these wreaths—symbols of eternal remembrance and gratitude.
May we live lives worthy of the sacrifices made on our behalf.
And may Your peace rest upon this place, upon every veteran laid here, and upon every heart gathered today.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.