Wreaths Across America: Thousands honor fallen service members at Jacksonville National Cemetery

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thousands of volunteers honored fallen service members and their families for the holidays on Saturday.

Wreaths Across America laid wreaths at the graves of military service members across the nation -- and here in our area.

15,500 wreaths were laid at headstones at Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Gallery: Wreaths Across America at Jacksonville National Cemetery

At the Jacksonville National Cemetery, News4Jax reporter Aaron Farrar heard from one widow who said it was finally time for her to be here for this event.

“Three years and it’s time for me to make new memories to do for others and not just concentrate on myself,” Dr. Wilhelmenia Speights said.

Speights attended Wreaths Across America for the first time Saturday to lay a wreath on her husband’s grave, Henry Speights Jr. He was a Vietnam War veteran, before becoming disabled while serving. He passed away in 2018. He was 80 years old.

A U.S. Navy Veteran of 22 years was also there to pay respects.

“When I laid each wreath said a prayer for them and thanked them for their service,” Samara Mitchell said. “They can rest in knowing that their loved one sacrificed and gave their all for this country.”

The Blank Check Society of America motorcycle group escorted three truckloads of wreaths on Saturday.

The laying of the wreaths means so much to so many and also keeps these heroes legacies alive.