“Remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom” is the three-fold mission of the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit, which visited all four high schools and two local stores in Pickens County in February.

While the exhibit was available for viewing at the Central-Clemson Lowes for several hours the morning and afternoon of Saturday, February 17, 2024, a special brief ceremony, held at 10 a.m., began with the reciting of The Pledge of Allegiance, with Girl Scouts from Troop 3218 (Clemson United Methodist Church). Carolyn Nations, who is the Regent of the Fort Prince George Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the South Carolina DAR State Chaplain, then led everyone in prayer. “Father, we give you thanks for our nation’s veterans. We honor them for their faithful service in defending and preserving our freedom. Today, as we recognize these veterans who served during the Vietnam era, we pause to say ‘thank you’, as they returned home to a country that failed to honor them for their service. We ask that you bless them, heal their wounds, and give them peace. We thank you, God, for our veterans, those of generations past and present. May we never forget what our country asked of them and what they’ve given in return. Father, instill in the hearts and minds of our young people the knowledge that love of country is more than just a catchphrase. May they be taught and learn the value of the sacrifices made by their forefathers and the fact that our nation’s freedom comes with a price. Father, we would be remiss if we failed to ask your blessings on those men and women who are currently serving both here at home and on foreign soil. You know every veteran by name, Father. Please bless them and grant them the peace that passes understanding. In your name I pray, Amen.”

Throughout the day, veterans who visited the exhibit were honored by the DAR with a Certificate of Appreciation for their service.

The mobile exhibit includes a nine-minute video that explains the purpose of Wreaths Across America, when wreaths are placed upon veterans’ gravesites across the United States.

Ann Warmuth, Fort Prince George DAR Chapter member and Chair of the Chapter’s Service to Veterans, is the Wreaths Across America Location Coordinator.

Wreaths Across America will be held this year on Saturday, December 14, 2024.

For more information on Wreaths Across America, visit Wreaths Across America’s official website at wreathscrossamerica.org.

All photos below by Karen Brewer, The Pickens County Chronicle