Marble Falls group, Wreaths Across America remember those who served

DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR

MARBLE FALLS — When Cassandra Chambliss’ son was a Cub Scout, he and his troop would help lay Christmas wreaths on the graves of veterans at a local cemetery.

“It was such an honor to be a part of something like that,” Chambliss said. But for some reason, the local endeavor ended though it remained a major event each Christmas at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. During the ceremony at the national cemetery, people place a wreath at each of the graves.

In 2007, Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization in support of the ceremony, began taking the program across the country. The idea is to let cemeteries in all the states and territories take part in local wreath ceremonies.

Instead of wondering why somebody wasn’t doing anything locally about it, Chambliss, an advisor with the Marble Falls’ Boy Scouts Venturing Crew 284, decided to take it upon herself and the members of the crew. Venture Crews are for older youth — usually 14 to 21 years old — who have already attained either their Gold Pin in Girl Scouts or Eagle Badge in Boy Scouts but still want to pursue Scouting activities.

“We have about 50 wreaths at this point,” Chambliss said. “But we would still like to get more.”

The plan is to place the wreaths at veterans’ graves at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park, 4219 Park Road 4 located west of U.S. 281 between Burnet and Marble Falls. On Dec. 13, the Marble Falls Venture Crew is hosting the Lakeland Hills Memorial Park National Remembrance Ceremony at 10 a.m.

“It’s held in conjunction with the national ceremony at Arlington,” Chambliss said. “The idea is to have ours happen at the same time as the one in Arlington.”

The Venture Crew is inviting the public to attend the event, and especially those with family members who are veterans buried at Lakeland Hills. Chambliss said they aren’t taking reservations for wreaths to be laid at a particular grave. She said people can attend the ceremony and lay a wreath at a loved one’s marker.

Along with the crew, others serving in the ceremony include a local pastor, the Highland Lakes Honor Guard and Llano singer McKenzie Jones.

“A Christian motorcycle club will also set up and have refreshments,” Chambliss added.

The whole idea is taking a little time during the Christmas season to honor those who served the country.

“It’s a good thing for the community to do,” Chambliss said. “It’s a way for us to just remember those who did so much for our country.”

The wreaths are specially made through Wreaths Across America. People can still sponsor a wreath either by contacting Chambliss by Nov. 25 or through the organization’s website by Dec. 1.

If going through the website (www.wreathsacrossamerica.org), go under the “Store” heading at the top of the page and click on “Sponsor for a Specific Location.” Then either type in a ZIP code or find “Texas” in the location bar and search for Lakeland Hills Memorial Park. You can also type in “TXLHMP” to ensure it gets to the Lakeland Hills Memorial Park event.

“If you don’t designate the location, the donation will go into the general fund, and that’s OK, too, because this is such a tremendous program and event,” Chambliss said. “We just want as many people as can come to the ceremony.”

Contact Chambliss at (830) 613-4637 or at scout_chambliss@yahoo.com for more information on this event or the Venture Crew.

daniel@thepicayune.com