Today Dec. 12, 2009 citizens of Fort Smith honored the servicemen and women of our community, who have made the ultimate sacrifice for nation. Family, friends and volunteers transformed the Fort Smith National Cemetery by placing one wreath on each of the 12,000 headstones in their honor.
The “Christmas Honors” was derived from Wreaths Across America where as part of the program, the Arlington National Cemetery’s gravesites are decorated every Christmas season with wreaths with red ribbons to honor those who have given their lives to provide the freedoms we enjoy in our beloved Nation. The cemetery is transformed into a vision of beauty, and the families of those buried at Arlington take comfort in seeing the respect that is shown to their grandfathers, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends and other fallen heroes who so loved our Country.
In addition, there will be a candlelight vigil at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14 for friends, family and our community.
I just want to say that my Dad was buried in Fort Smith National Cemetary on Oct.16, 2009. I had not been back to see the gravesite since that day, as I live in Louisiana, until Dec.20. I must say, that when I drove into the cemetary and seeing all of the beautiful Christmas wreaths placed on every grave, it was absolutely breathtaking. I am so proud that my Dad is buried here and that there are people who care enough about our loved ones to have taken the time to do this beautiful act of kindness.