I’ll never forget the first time I saw a photo of a wreath placed on Taylor’s grave. It was years ago, sent by someone who had taken the time to honor my son during Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery. Taylor—my son, my hero—was a 2003 graduate of Fairfield High School and a Marine who gave his life on May 9, 2005, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is buried at Arlington, in Section 60, Site 8111, and every year, without fail, someone has ensured that his name is spoken aloud, and his grave adorned with a wreath.
The wreaths have been placed by many different hands: a Marine who served with Taylor, a cousin of mine who lives in Virginia, and even another Gold Star family who knows the weight of loss all too well. Each gesture is a reminder that Taylor’s sacrifice is not forgotten, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
Until recently, I thought Wreaths Across America was something that only happened at Arlington. I didn’t know the program could extend to private cemeteries, too—until a fellow Gold Star father, Adolfo Olivas, approached us. Adolfo’s son, Nicholas, was a Fairfield High School graduate from the class of 2010 and a soldier who gave his life on May 30, 2012, during Operation Enduring Freedom. Nicholas is buried at St. Mary Cemetery in Hamilton, and Adolfo asked if we would help him bring Wreaths Across America to St. Mary/St. Stephen Cemeteries.
I couldn’t say no.
The Mission of Wreaths Across America
This year, on December 14, 2024, St. Mary/St. Stephen Cemeteries in Hamilton, Ohio will join over 4,700 other locations across the country in the Wreaths Across America mission: Remember, Honor, and Teach.
- Remember the fallen, like Taylor and Nicholas, and all those who served.
- Honor the heroes who have fought to protect our freedoms by speaking their names aloud and laying a wreath on their graves.
- Teach our children the value of freedom and the sacrifices made to preserve it.
This year’s theme, “Live with Purpose,” encourages all of us to reflect on how we can honor their legacies in our own lives.
The ceremony will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by the laying of wreaths. It is a simple yet powerful way to ensure that our heroes are never forgotten, that their names are spoken, and that their sacrifices are honored.
How You Can Support Wreaths Across America
If you feel moved to participate, there are several ways to help:
- Sponsor a Wreath: By sponsoring a wreath on the Wreaths Across America website, you’ll help us honor as many veterans as possible.
- Volunteer: Join us in laying the wreaths. Your hands can be the ones ensuring a hero’s grave is recognized. Sign up to volunteer at a specific location on the Wreaths Across America website.
- Spread the Word: Share this event with your friends and family. The more people who know, the more wreaths we can place. Wreaths Across America offers a form email you can send out to people you know and invite them to help.
For me, this event is personal. It’s a chance to remember Taylor and his unwavering commitment to his country. It’s a way to honor Nicholas and so many others who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice. And it’s an opportunity to teach future generations about the cost of freedom.
Wreaths Across America reminds us that while our heroes may no longer be with us, their legacy lives on through us. I invite you to join me at St. Mary/St. Stephen Cemeteries this December. Together, let’s remember their names, honor their service, and teach the values they fought to protect.
With gratitude,
A Proud Gold Star Father
