DFW National Cemetery Honors 7,000 Veterans with Wreath‑Laying Ceremony

On a brisk Saturday morning, around 7,000 people gathered at DFW National Cemetery to honor fallen veterans and lay wreaths on their graves. The gathering unfolded under a clear sky, with families, veterans, and community members standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder.

The annual wreath‑laying ceremony marked each of the cemetery’s 59,000 graves ahead of the holidays, ensuring every veteran’s final resting place is respectfully commemorated. The cemetery, with its rows of polished headstones, had been meticulously prepared to receive the wreaths.

NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 Veteran’s Network joined forces with Wreaths Across America to coordinate the event, bringing media coverage and volunteer support. Both TV stations provided live coverage, while volunteers from Wreaths Across America coordinated the distribution of wreaths and guided attendees.

Brett Whicker, a retired military member who is now in his second year attending the ceremony, said, “For me, it’s an opportunity to give back to my fallen brothers,” and added, “This many… American individuals that came out and gave everything to defend… our way of life.” Whicker, who has served in multiple deployments, reflected on the emotional impact of the ceremony.

Colonel LaHavie Brunson, commander of the 13th Armored Corps Sustainment, served as keynote speaker. He recalled an event 25 years ago, when as a young officer in Afghanistan, he attended a memorial and was moved by a 21‑gun salute. “As the solemn event proceeded, my heart leapt at each volley of the 21‑gun salute. In eight, as the senior enlisted leader called the roll for a soldier who we all knew would not respond,” Brunson recounted. Brunson, who now commands the 13th Armored Corps Sustainment, spoke about the enduring memory of the 21‑gun salute and the solemnity of the roll call.

Brunson emphasized that remembering service members means remembering their whole lives. “Today gives us space to remember lives marked by service, but also appreciate the joy, personality, humor, and humanity that each veteran brought into the world long before they ever raised their right hand,” he said. He stressed that each veteran’s life story extends beyond military service, encompassing personal joys and unique personalities.

He added, “Their lives, Brunson said, leave a lesson for everyone.” And he urged, “Your service to others, whether in uniform or in everyday life, is one of the most meaningful paths you can choose.” Brunson encouraged participants to view service as a path of profound meaning, whether in uniform or civilian life.

Brunson described the wreath‑laying tradition as a living one that grows stronger each year because people like you choose to show up. “One that grows stronger each year because people like you choose to show up,” he said. He emphasized the growing strength of the tradition, noting that increased participation each year deepens the collective remembrance.

For the first time this year, organizers held a separate family day on Friday to lay wreaths. They reported that 5,000 people registered for that event and laid 1,740 wreaths. The family day, held a day earlier, allowed relatives to lay wreaths in a more intimate setting, fostering a sense of shared mourning.

Key Takeaways

• Around 7,000 attendees honored 59,000 graves at DFW National Cemetery on a brisk Saturday.
• Media partners NBC 5, Telemundo 39 Veteran’s Network, and Wreaths Across America coordinated the ceremony.
• A separate family day saw 5,000 registrations and 1,740 wreaths laid.

The ceremony underscored the community’s ongoing commitment to remembering those who served, with veterans, families, and volunteers coming together to honor the past and inspire future generations. As the day closed, the community left with a renewed sense of gratitude and a commitment to honor the sacrifices made by those who served.

The ceremony unfolded along a row of headstones, each wreath a silent tribute. Attendees stood in quiet reverence, their faces reflecting a mix of solemnity and gratitude.

Volunteers from Wreaths Across America worked in the days leading up to the event, arranging wreaths, coordinating transportation, and guiding attendees to their chosen graves. Their dedication ensured the ceremony proceeded smoothly.

NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 Veteran’s Network provided live coverage, offering viewers a front‑line view of the proceedings. Their broadcasts highlighted the emotional moments and the community’s participation.

The 21‑gun salute, a longstanding military tradition, punctuated the ceremony with measured precision. Each volley echoed through the cemetery, a reminder of the valor and sacrifice of those honored.

The family day, held a day earlier, offered relatives a more intimate setting to lay wreaths. Participants shared stories and memories, reinforcing the sense of shared remembrance.

Overall, the event underscored the enduring bond between the community and its veterans, reinforcing a shared commitment to honor those who served and to keep their memories alive for future generations.

The cemetery staff also prepared the grounds, ensuring each headstone was clean and each wreath was properly positioned. Their meticulous attention helped maintain the dignified atmosphere that attendees expected.

The event also served as a reminder of the broader community’s support for veterans. Local businesses and organizations contributed supplies, while volunteers offered their time, demonstrating a collective spirit of gratitude.

As the ceremony concluded, many attendees lingered to reflect, sharing quiet conversations about the veterans they knew. The day left an indelible impression of shared remembrance and renewed purpose.

The tradition of wreath-laying at DFW National Cemetery has grown over the years, becoming a cornerstone of the community’s holiday season. Each year, the event not only honors those who served but also educates younger generations about the sacrifices made by their forebears. School groups and youth organizations were present, listening to stories shared by veterans and hearing the solemn 21‑gun salute. The experience left many with a deeper appreciation for the values of service, sacrifice, and remembrance.

In the quiet moments after the ceremony, the community felt a renewed sense of unity and gratitude that will carry forward into the coming year.