Habersham County observes Wreaths Across America ceremonies at two cemeteries

Despite cool temperatures and wind, about 50 people turned out to observe a Wreaths Across America ceremony at noon Saturday in Old Clarkesville Cemetery in Habersham County.

The event is one of many held at more than 3,400 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad, as well as the signature event at Arlington National Cemetery, but is new to the Clarkesville cemetery.

Susan Gwaltney of the Tomochichi Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in Clarkesville led Saturday’s service that included laying of wreaths for all branches of the U.S. Military, including the Merchant Marines and U.S. Space Force.

Anne Purcell of Clarkesville, wife of the late Col. Benjamin Purcell and a founding member of the National League of Families, laid a wreath for prisoners of war and those missing in action.

“I’ve lived a long, long time and I’ve seen a lot of things that happened in our country and I’m always so grateful to be an American and I felt it an honor to be a military wife," Purcell said.

Purcell said she is glad to see the historic cemetery being restored.

Lane Gresham, chair of Historic Clarkesville Cemetery Preservation Inc. said she is glad to see the Wreaths Across America observance held at the cemetery.

“It’s so meaningful that this is happening across our United States at the same time on the same day that it’s a great reminder of the sacrifices made by our service men and women – and the families," Gresham said.

Also in Habersham County, Grant-Reeves VFW Post 7720 Cornelia held its first Wreaths Across America wreath laying ceremony at Grant-Reeves Memorial Park on Smith Loop Road in Demorest.

Committee Chairpersons Barry and Linda Church organized that well-attended event that included Katie Deal singing the national anthem and remarks by past Gov. Nathan Deal.

More than 400 wreaths were presented throughout Habersham County on Saturday for its veterans, according to the VFW.

Elsewhere in North Georgia, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said the capacity for any additional vehicles at the Georgia National Cemetery off Knox Bridge Highway outside Canton was exceeded for Wreaths Across America on the 1.8-mile entrance road, impacting traffic on Knox Bridge Highway.

A veteran salutes and Susan Gwaltney of the Tomochichi Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution places her hand over her heart as Darrin Johnston, right, sings the national anthem at Old Clarkesville Cemetery.

Anne Purcell of Clarkesville places a wreath honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action during Saturday's ceremony at Old Clarkesville Cemetery.

Clarkesville Mayor Barrie Aycock speaks during Saturday's Wreaths Across America ceremony at Old Clarkesville Cemetery.

Larry Whitfield of Joseph Habersham Chapter Sons of the American Revolution plays Taps to conclude Saturday's ceremony at Old Clarkesville Cemetery.

Lane Gresham, chair of the Historic Clarkesville Cemetery Preservation Inc. Board, says it is meaningful for a Wreaths Across America observance to be held at Old Clarkesville Cemetery, where most of those buried have no family in the area.

Wreaths adorn the graves of known veterans in Old Clarkesville Cemetery following Saturday's ceremony.

Wreaths honoring the various branches of the U.S. Military, including the Merchant Marines and U.S. Space Force, surround the flagpole at Old Clarkesville Cemetery.

Wreaths adorn the graves of veterans buried at Grant-Reeves Memorial Park in Demorest.

Wreaths are seen on the graves of veterans buried at Grant-Reeves Memorial Park in Demorest.

Wreaths decorate the graves of veterans buried at Grant-Reeves Memorial Park in Demorest following Saturday's Wreaths Across America ceremony there.

Anne Purcell of Clarkesville smiles as she reminisces after Saturday's Wreaths Across America ceremony at Old Clarkesville Cemetery.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2022/12/1155345/habersham-county-observes-wreaths-across-america-ceremonies-at-two-cemeteries