Volunteers laid tens of thousands of holiday wreaths at tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, and for just the second time, Wreaths Across America was celebrated at our own military cemetery in Seattle.
"We're also honoring our medal of honor recipients who are buried here in the cemetery, which there are six of them here, as well as two Silver Star recipients,” said Doyle Burke/Retired U.S. Army
The national program is a chance to honor and remember those who served.
It's a special day for Ted Schelvan. His brother David served in Vietnam and was killed there in 1967.
The wreath laying ceremony gives him a chance to honor his beloved older brother and remember holidays long past.
"Christmas was a always a great time in our house because that was when my brother came home on leave, it was the most special time of year,” said Schelvan. “I can feel it as a sad day, a tragic day, but on the other hand it's Chrismtas and it's like I'm almost there celebrating Christmas in my memories with them.”
A brief formal ceremony took place inside the chapel, followed by the playing of Taps.
A simple wreath honors those who served and provides comfort to those left behind.
“That is a good feeling and it makes me feel more like family again,” said Schelvan.
Members of the Navy Wives Club of America sponsored the event and collected donations to supply the 100 wreaths.
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