Wreaths Across America ceremony in Valley Grande set for Saturday

The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 13 at noon, with community members invited not only to witness but also to help place wreaths on the graves of local veterans. 

Dennis Doherty, immediate past commander of Selma’s VFW Post 3016, said the effort was made possible through a partnership between the VFW and Lawrence-Brown Service Funeral Home. “We raised the money through the community. People purchased wreaths, and some even dedicated them to family members,” Doherty explained. 

Kenneth Martin, general manager of Lawrence-Brown, coordinated logistics for the ceremony, including closing cemetery roads and providing golf carts to assist attendees with mobility needs. 

In total, 850 wreaths have been purchased, enough to honor every veteran buried at Pineview Memory Gardens. The community exceeded its fundraising goal, with 38 additional wreaths already banked for next year’s ceremony. 

Local support has been strong, with donations coming from individuals and organizations across Dallas County. One donation came in from Perry County. Doherty said Arrowhead Landfill in Uniontown contributed 89 wreaths, valued at nearly $1,700. 

“This is about honoring veterans who served this country,” Doherty said. “Every veteran in Pineview Memory Gardens will have a wreath placed on their headstone.” 

Wreaths Across America is a national organization best known for its annual wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. This marks the first year Selma has joined the tradition, with hopes to continue annually. 

Those interested in supporting future ceremonies can donate through the organization’s website, www.wreathsacrossamerica.org, by selecting their location.