On Dec. 17, 2022, at noon, Wreaths Across America sponsored the honoring of our deceased veterans and their families. The Wilmington National Cemetery holds over 5,000 gravesites. Every one of them was respected by our community on Saturday. John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 Commander Leland said, “The turnout by the local community and businesses was amazing.” The Wilmington National Cemetery encompasses Brunswick, Hanover and Pender counties.
The intent of the wreath-laying is not to decorate the gravesites, but to REMEMBER, HONOR AND TEACH. The event was moving and satisfying for all involved. During the opening ceremony we were honored by the support shown for our local veterans by Mayor Bozeman of Leland and other local dignitaries. The ceremony was opened by three local Eagle Scouts; Gregory Gennaro, Kwelin King and Bryndan Taylor-Alexander from Troop 747 in Leland, who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A wreath was presented during the opening ceremony by representatives of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, Merchant Marines and POW/MIA. After taps everyone who attended the event assisted with the placing of the wreaths. As each wreath was laid, the name of the veteran listed on the tombstone was read aloud.
REMEMBER, HONOR and TEACH, FOR OUR VETERANS, THANK YOU.

John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68, Leland
Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022