Fort Walton Elks Lodge #1795 purchased 10 wreaths for the Wreaths Across America program, but they also helped a large team of volunteers lay wreaths at 1,254 veterans’ graves at Beale Memorial Cemetery in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Dec. 18. This was the second annual event held in Fort Walton Beach and it was heavily supported by many community groups. The presentation of the wreath is a special procedure. After laying a wreath on a veteran’s grave, the volunteer will take one step back, come to attention, present a slow-hand salute, mention the veteran’s rank and branch of service (if known), and thank the veteran for his or her service.
Pictured are Taz WrightReynolds, PER, Exalted Ruler; Kevin Clemons, PDD, Northwest District Leader; Rob Parks, member; Tom McLaughlin, Loyal Knight; Colette Willey, member; Mark Wynn, Inner Guard; Marcie Tingler, trustee; and Paul Willey, PER.
Also pictured is Tom McLaughlin giving a slow-hand salute to a veteran.