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Wreath-laying ceremony to honor community military veterans

Auburn Reporter - 12/5/2019

Tahoma National Cemetery hosts Wreaths Across America, an annual holiday wreath-laying ceremony to honor and remember the nation's military veterans, on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. at the cemetery's flag pole assembly area, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent. Parking is limited in the cemetery so car pooling is encouraged.

Chaplain Lt. Col. William Adam, USAFA/CAP, will emcee the ceremony. Col. Erin Staine-Pyne, USAF, vice commander of the 62nd Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, is the keynote speaker.

WAA's mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington, Va., as well as at veterans' cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

The Washington Civil Air Patrol, veterans service organizations and citizens are coordinating the event to honor veterans of each branch of the military, the Merchant Marine as well as prisoners of war and those still missing in action (POW/MIA).

Wreath purchases are sponsored by individuals to honor their loved ones and other military veterans laid to rest. Gold Star wife Britt Harris finds comfort in honoring late husband through WAA.

"When you can see around those holidays that people are going to come out and remember you and your soldier, it makes it a little more bearable," Britt said.