On Dec. 16, Fort Walton Elks Lodge #1795 donated $2,500 to the local Wreaths Across America organization and participated in distributing and laying 2,000 remembrance wreaths at veterans’ graves at Beal Memorial Cemetery in Fort Walton Beach, while saying each veteran’s name aloud. This annual endeavor aims to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach children the value of freedom.
Pictured in the front row are Donna Silva, kitchen manager; Tom Rice, community coordinator; Tom McLaughlin, Exalted Ruler; Linda Mayfield, chaplain; and Mark Wynn, Inner Guard. In the back row are Marcia WrightReynolds, Loyal Knight; trustees Paul Eubanks, PER and Kathy Pacheco; Kathy Houchins, lodge manager; Kevin Clemons, PDD, District Leader; Rob Parks, Leading Knight; Paul Willey, PER, trustee; and Tom Knowles, PER, Lecturing Knight. Also pictured presenting a wreath on a veteran’s grave is Marcia WrightReynolds.