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Wreaths Across America

U.S. military members, civilians and veterans come together to remember veterans who have passed away and military members who made the ultimate sacrifice at Sumter Cemetery in Sumter, S.C., Dec. 17, 2016. Over 100 wreaths donated by sponsors were placed on the fence of Sumter Cemetery. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class BrieAnna Stillman)

Wreaths Across America

David Nabholz, Sumter Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol cadet commander, salutes the final wreath set on a stand at Sumter Cemetery in Sumter, S.C., Dec. 17, 2016. Seven wreaths were placed on stands, one for each branch of the U.S. military, as well as one each for prisoners of war and the U.S. Merchant Marine Corps. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class BrieAnna Stillman)

Wreaths Across America

Cadets with the Sumter Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol hand out wreaths to be placed along the fence line at Sumter Cemetery in Sumter, S.C., Dec. 17, 2016. Wreaths were placed on the fence in remembrance of veterans and military members who have passed. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class BrieAnna Stillman)

Wreaths Across America

Published Dec. 23, 2016
By Airman 1st Class BrieAnna Stillman
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- U.S. military members, veterans and civilians gathered to place wreaths along the fence of Sumter Cemetery in remembrance of veterans who have passed away and military members who made the ultimate sacrifice in Sumter, South Carolina, Dec. 17, 2016.

Team Shaw participated in the event with local community members by providing multiple vehicles to represent various squadrons on base such as a 20th Civil Engineer Squadron fire truck, which displayed a U.S. flag from its ladder. The 20th Force Support Squadron honor guard presented the colors and Shaw volunteers helped set up for the ceremony.

“We definitely want to be involved with the community honoring veterans who have served prior to us and I think it is important to get involved with the community out here to show them they have our support when it comes to ceremonies like this,” said Staff Sgt. Christian Arvelo, 20th CES fire protection crew chief. “Military, no matter what branch you are, we take care of our own.”

Sponsors from the local community donated over 100 wreaths to line the fence of the cemetery. This was done to honor every military grave in the cemetery.

Seven ceremonial wreaths were hung on stands to represent all five branches of the military, prisoners of war (POW) and the U.S. Merchant Marine Corps.

“The military in general, especially veterans, are under appreciated, so anytime we can get together and do something to honor the service it’s a good thing,” said Gary Dixon, independent trumpet player who played during the ceremony.

Wreaths Across America gave Team Shaw and the local community an opportunity to gather and work together to honor those who have passed.