Hundreds turn out to prep Wreaths for Vets

A true cross-section of the local population turned out Saturday at the Killeen Special Events Center for a very good cause.

Bikers, Boy Scouts, cheerleaders, families, senior citizens were among those who helped prepare over 7,000 wreaths for placement on the graves at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen next Saturday.

Jean Shine, president of Friends of the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery — which organizes preparing and laying the wreaths for the holiday season each year — estimated over 400 volunteers packed the building to help fluff the wreaths after they’d been in storage, and tie new red bows on them.

“They’re from Temple, Belton, Copperas Cove,” Shine said about the volunteers. “They’re all ages.”

The event was a way “to teach our children always to honor, respect and remember our military,” Shine added.

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