MIDDLEBURG – Saturday’s Wreaths Across America ceremony at Hardage-Giddens-Holly Hill Memorial Park personified the organization’s mission by remembering the fallen, honoring those who served in the military and teaching children the value of freedom.

Following the opening remarks, veterans, families, children and volunteers placed 700 fresh balsam fir wreaths at veterans' gravesites.

“Lying here before us in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear,” said location coordinator Jimmy Arthur. “We can worship as we see fit. We can raise our children to believe as we do. The United States of America was founded on freedom, justice and equality. Our nation is a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free, and we shall not forget you. We shall always remember.

“Today, more than ever, we reflect on our nation's veterans and active-duty service members who have had to continue to fight to protect the innocent and oppressed.”

Florida TrailLife Troop 1595 members placed wreaths representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, Space Force and POWs/Missing in Action to honor all military branches.

Mike Michel, a 32-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, was the guest speaker. He reminded everyone of the cost of freedom.

“What I'm here to say is simply thank you to the souls of the over 700 veterans from all the services who fought in every conflict since and including World War I,” he said. “We're here today to let them know they are not forgotten and to remind ourselves and the younger generations that freedom is not free. It comes with a human cost that involves service and sacrifice. Over our country's 248-year history, our country has been at war or engaged in conflicts for 231 of those 248 years, defending our core beliefs, the right as a free people to enjoy liberty, free speech, freedom of religion, due process of law and freedom of assembly. And in 248 years, we've only been at peace for 17 years. The price of freedom is high.

“But those 700 veterans sleeping here would tell you that their sacrifice was worth that price and what they gave up and what they missed, long deployments away from family, missed birthdays, missed weddings, graduations, funerals, missed first words, first steps, first days at school, they all sacrificed so that we could continue to enjoy living free in the greatest country in the world today.”

Michel then asked for a minute of silence so everyone could listen to the voices of the 700 entombed veterans about their service.

“I will close by letting you know what I heard,” Michel said. “I heard 700 men and women say they served because they loved their country, they loved their brothers and sisters in arms, and they wanted future generations to enjoy the freedoms that they had. God bless the men and women who served and are rested until their resurrection.”