Volunteers gathered at the Fallon Cemetery on Saturday, December 19th to honor the many Fallon veterans laid to rest there.
National Wreaths Across America is held each December and serves to honor and remember the many fallen military veterans that have served our country. The wreath laying event takes place in over 2,100 locations in the U.S., at sea, and beyond, according to the Wreath Across America (WAA) organization.
In recent years, the remembrance took place at the Veterans Cemetery in Fernley. Lisa Duvall, who was instrumental in bringing the event to Fallon, wanted to make sure the 1,400 fallen veterans buried in Fallon were also honored. Kneeling in respect, each volunteer laid their wreaths at each veteran's grave and paused to whisper the words, "Thank you! you for your service - you will not be forgotten."
Naval air traffic controller, Arron Gutierrez, was one such volunteer. For Gutierrez, who is in the ninth year of his military career, has been on multiple deployments, from which not everyone cam back. "They gave the ultimate sacrifice," said Gutierrez, "and it's important that sacrifice is remembered." From South Texas, Gutierrez hasn't been home since he was stationed here nearly five years ago. A third generation serviceman, he comes from a long line of men accustomed to sacrifice, as his father was a Vietnam War Veteran and his grandfather fought in WWII. But he's grateful for the opportunity, stating, "It gives us a chance to say thank you! you on behalf of all of the people we've served with."
Veterans, family members of veterans, volunteers from the community, and members from the Churchill County High School FFA chapter also participated in the wreath laying event.
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