TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — For the first time in it’s history, Calvary Cemetery in Terre Haute took part in Wreaths Across America, honoring veterans in the community.
The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember fallen veterans, honor those who serve and teach children the value of freedom.
A tradition that began in 1992 at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C., has found a new location to honor veterans.
“A local lady who lives in Florida now, Ann Murphy, contacted me and said hey do you want to do this,” said Calvary Cemetery owner Larry Silver. “After a watching a video of the Wreaths being laid at Arlington with tears, I thought our hometown boys in Terre Haute deserve that.”
Cemeteries usually conduct a traditional ceremony for this event but due to COVID-19, Calvary decided against it.
“Some of these gentlemen, men and women, don’t have loved ones that are still alive. It’s up to us and generations,” said Larry Silver. “It was so good to see my grandson who’s six, come out and appreciate that.”
When it comes to teaching the future generation, Army veteran Drew Silver took that to heart.
Drew Silver has previously participated in wreath laying at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. He says this year was even more special because he laid the wreath with his son.
“He didn’t really understand it but once I explained to him the purpose and that these people use to do the same thing I did, but some of them were doing this in a way more hostile environment,” said Drew Silver.
