By Kelly Pickering, The Greeneville Sun

"Wreaths Across America" drew a large crowd at the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery in Greeneville on Saturday. To see Greeneville Sun photos, click WREATHS-ACROSS-AMERICA.

With the mission to “Remember, Honor and Teach,” the Wreaths program is holding wreath-laying ceremonies on Saturdays in December at Arlington National Cemetery and other location in all U.S. states and locations beyond. More than 600 locations held ceremonies on Dec. 16.

At Andrew Johnson Cemetery in Greeneville, area Boy Scouts lined the bottom of the drive that circles Monument Hill, holding flags from the fifty states.

Members from area high schools’ ROTC programs lined the steps leading to Monument Hill.

At the beginning of the program, a moment of silence was observed for Newton, Conn., and the families affected by last week’s tragic, fatal school shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Five wreaths were carried up the steps to Monument Hill, one at a time, representing the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Opening remarks were given by Lizzie Watts, superintendent of the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, followed an invocation delivered by David Green, pastor of Greeneville First Baptist Church.

The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts leaders.

Brian Bragdon, transportation coordinator of Walmart Distribution Center in Greene County, spoke about Walmart’s participation in transporting the wreaths from Maryland to several states.
 
There were two keynote speakers, and attendees sang "God Bless the USA (I'm Proud To Be an American).”

Upon completion of the Laying of the Wreaths, the Veterans of Foreign Affairs Honor Guard gave a 21-gun salute, followed by the playing of Taps.

Read Monday’s Greeneville Sun for more details.