ORANGE PARK – An approaching storm system that brought intermittent rain didn’t deter patriotic residents from heading to Magnolia and Moosehaven cemeteries to honor veterans during Wreaths Across America, a nationwide event last Saturday.

Sandra DiGiovanni, Location Coordinator for both ceremonies, was instrumental in helping Magnolia with its first program a year ago. Moosehaven’s ceremony was joined by Vice Mayor Susana Thompson and Councilwoman Winnette Sandlin, with help from Cub Scout Troop 25 and other volunteers. At both ceremonies, wreaths were placed, and the veteran’s name was read aloud.

Sandlin led the program with the children, many of whom participated in the patriotic event for the first time.
Riders from American Legion Post 250 riders arrived early to unbox the fresh, live natural wreaths and helped prepare for the event at Magnolia. The wreaths were purchased from donations from local businesses, nonprofits and patriotic citizens.

“(American Legion Post 250 riders), you did an amazing job. Thank you,” DiGiovanni said during her opening remarks.
But it all wouldn’t have been possible without DiGiovanni, said Town Mayor and retired Navy veteran Randy Anderson.

“None of this could have happened without Sandra. I thank you. If you need anything (from the town), please let us know,” he said.
Girl Scout Troop 310210 was responsible for laying three wreaths recognizing entire branches of the armed services. Peyton Cooper honored the Air Force, Margaret Schwegmann saluted the Marine Corps and Layla Davis did the honors for the Merchant Marines.
Former Vice Mayor Alan Watt, a Navy veteran, thanked his fellow seamen. After the Black Creek Young Marines presented the colors, all seven branches and POW/MIA soldiers were honored, followed by a 30-second moment of silence for the fallen, POW and MIA veterans.

DiGiovanni then dismissed the group. They formed a caravan toward the first gravestone, where Anderson laid a wreath in honor of the Civil War Union Brigadier General Joseph Tarr Copeland.
An additional 174 wreaths were distributed throughout the two large cemeteries.

“You cannot put a price on our veterans or active-duty military, living and passed. You, the volunteers, are also priceless,” DiGiovanni said.
Anderson said the special nature of the Wreaths Across America event and the international phenomenon didn’t forget the veterans of Clay County.
“We take a moment to thank them for our service to our nation. It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive. We are not here today to decorate graves but to remember their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America,” he said.
Anderson echoed Sandlin’s message at Moosehaven, saying, “To our children, we want you to understand that the freedom you enjoy today is not free, but comes with a cost.”