Cabarrus Today

City leaders and community members in Concord came together on December 16, 2023, to pay tribute to local veterans during the annual Wreaths Across America event. The ceremony took place at Oakwood Cemetery, where volunteers placed fresh evergreen wreaths on the graves of 1,602 veterans.

The event aimed to honor and remember the sacrifices and service of veterans and active-duty military personnel. Each veteran's name was read aloud as a wreath was placed on their grave, creating a living memorial for future generations.

Mayor Bill Dusch of Concord emphasized the significance of the event in preserving history and showing gratitude to those who fought for our freedoms. He urged participants to remember the veterans' contributions, stating, "As you lay the wreaths today, please remember that with all these efforts that have been made, our community will forever be able to thank and honor the 1,602 veterans that have passed before us for their service to our country."

The success of the event was made possible by the dedicated efforts of various individuals and organizations. The Wreaths Across America Committee, led by Tom Fagart and the American Legion Post 51, played a crucial role in organizing the ceremony. Additionally, the City of Concord Buildings and Grounds Department, along with numerous businesses, churches, organizations, and community members, sponsored wreaths.

During the ceremony, City of Concord Interim Police Chief Jimmy Hughes placed a wreath on the grave of fallen Concord Police Officer Ralph Kennerly. Officer Kennerly served in the N.C. National Guard during the Mexican Punitive Expedition and was later deployed to France during World War I. Tragically, he lost his life in the line of duty while attempting to apprehend a suspect in 1920.

Wreaths Across America aims to share the stories and honor the memory of veterans like Officer Kennerly, while also educating future generations about the value of freedom. The event at Oakwood Cemetery was one of over 4,225 similar ceremonies held nationwide, including at Arlington Cemetery.

Karen Worcester, the executive director of Wreaths Across America, expressed her appreciation for the event's mission and its ability to bring communities together. She said, "What I love most about this day, and this mission, is that it is so much more than just the placement of a wreath. The wreath is the catalyst, it brings together communities - families and strangers -- to learn about those who have served and sacrificed. We have more than three million volunteers across the country and a third of them are children. This mission and the events happening today provide the opportunity to teach kids about what freedom is."

To learn more about Wreaths Across America and its mission, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

To learn more, click on this link: https://concordnc.gov/Services/Community/News/ID/247/Concord-Honors-Over-1,600-Veterans-on-Wreaths-Across-America-Day