A wreath is an ancient symbol to honor the dead and its design represents a circle of eternal life.  At the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, volunteers will lay wreaths at graves this holiday season.

In addition, the cemetery has columbarium’s, which are walls that contain niches to hold urns of cremated remains. Patty Aquiningoc, head of the support committee for Friends of Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, makes the mini wreaths by hand for each of the graves on the columbarium.  Each mini wreath is 6-inches in diameter, made from a grapevine wreath and wrapped with green garland.  A small red bow is applied to the top of each wreath.

The supplies to make the small Wreaths for Vets is funded with donations from the community.  This is truly a labor of love.  Donations are accepted year around for this effort.  You can donate by visiting the website at www.wreathsforvets.org or by scanning the QR code.   

 

 

Looking for an opportunity to start a Family or Friend group tradition?  You are invited to join the community on November 23, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Killeen Special Events Center, 3601 S. W.S. Young Drive to help to prep thousands of wreaths that go on the graves every year.

The wreaths will be placed on the graves beginning at 10 a.m. Nov. 30 and retrieved from the graves Jan. 11, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m.

Volunteers are needed for preparation, distribution and retrieval.

For more information, go to wreathsforvets.org.