The New Mexico Civil Air Patrol took time to honor many New Mexico veterans ahead of the holidays as they tried to make the season a bit less somber for families who have lost relatives who fought for freedom.
The “Wreaths Across America” event at Santa Fe National Cemetery came on a cold day, but the air patrol and others didn’t let that keep them from paying their respects.
“It is indeed cold here today and I don’t think it dampened the spirits of anyone here,” Ryan Stark, captain of the Civil Air Patrol, said in a KOB report.
“Wreaths Across America” events were held at various cities. In New Mexico, it entailed Civil Air Patrol cadets placing more than 4,000 wreaths.
“Today we are assisting in laying down over 4,000 wreaths on the graves here at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe,” Stark said.
New Mexico Organizer Thomas Vialpando said every year he’s trying to increase the number of wreaths they can lay.
“Last year we put 2,300 graves; this year we’re putting 4,500 graves,” Vialpando said. “It’s a drop in the bucket because they’re 67,000 buried here."
As with most military ceremonies, a certain protocol is followed. In this case, once a veteran's grave is located, the ceremony consists of pronouncing their full name, laying down the wreath and then saluting them in appreciation of their service, according to Vialpando.
“For our cadets, especially, it’s a great profound honor, and it’s been amazing today for me to see cadets you know place their wreath on the grave,” Stark said.
Vialpando said the small gesture can mean much to the families.
“The sole purpose is to cover the graves to honor and remember them, that’s what this whole event is about,” Vialpando said, adding that one day he’d like to see the ceremony cover all 67,000 graves in one visit.