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<\/p>\nKentucky honors Veterans with wreath laying ceremony <\/p>\n
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FRANKFORT, Ky. \u2013 Members of the Kentucky Army and Air National Guard joined the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) for its annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Old State Capitol on Dec. 11, 2025.<\/p>\n
The tribute, usually held on the second or third Saturday in December, honors fallen Service members by placing wreaths on gravesites and memorials nationwide. KDVA Commissioner Whitney Allen emphasized the importance of the event, which was one of many to be held over the weekend across the Commonwealth, and the nation.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s ceremony is a humble act that sends a clear message to our Service members and Veterans that we will always honor their selfless sacrifice and service to our nation,\u201d said Allen. \u201cAs proud Kentuckians, following this year\u2019s Wreaths Across America 2025 model, which is \u2018Moving Forward,\u2019 we solemnly honor our Veterans\u2019 legacy of service and sacrifice across the Commonwealth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Soldiers from the 38th Division Artillery, Joint Force Headquarters, and an Airman from the 123rd Airlift Wing provided a joint color guard, and Soldiers from the 202nd Army Band provided musical support for the ceremony.<\/p>\n
Eight wreaths were placed outside Kentucky\u2019s Old State Capitol. Governor Andy Beshear laid the first in honor of the U.S. Army, followed by wreaths for each of the other military services.<\/p>\n
\u201cKentuckians have always been there for our country,\u201d said Beshear. \u201cIt\u2019s because of our heroic Veterans \u2013 those here today, and those who gave their lives for all of us, that we are still the land of the free. Thank you to our Veterans, those with us, and those that have passed, for preserving this amazing, incredible country that we all love.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following the service wreaths, Kentucky\u2019s adjutant general, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Haldane Lamberton laid a wreath for Prisoners-of-War and those Missing-in-Action. The final wreath, honoring all Kentuckians currently serving, was placed by Commissioner Allen and KDVA Deputy Commissioner Juan Renaud.<\/p>\n
The Wreaths Across America tradition began in 1992, when Morrill Worcester, the owner of a Maine-based wreath company, placed wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. What started as a private tribute turned into an annual event that has grown each year; by 2024, more than four million volunteers placed over three million wreaths at approximately 4,900 locations.<\/p>\n
State Veteran Cemeteries Director Shane LaGrone expressed the significance of the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe wreaths before you represent our commitment as a united America to remember the fallen,\u201d said LaGrone. \u201cWe also want this wreath to symbolize our honor to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces of our great nation, and their families who endure the sacrifices every day on our behalf.\u201d<\/p>\n
Each element of the evergreen wreath is symbolic: the circular shape represents eternity, the forest scent represents purity, and the red bow represents sacrifice. The ten small bouquets within each wreath signify qualities of a Veteran, such as strength, honor, integrity, humility, and love for fellow Service members.<\/p>\n
LaGrone\u2019s closing comment encapsulated the mission of Wreaths Across America: to remember, honor, and teach.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo our children, we want you to understand that the freedoms you enjoy today have not been free, but have come with a cost someday you may have to pay yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\n Date Taken:
\n 12.19.2025
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\n Date Posted:
\n 12.22.2025 10:03
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\n Story ID:
\n 555017
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\n Location:
\n KENTUCKY, US
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