Wreaths Across America events set for Thursday

Wreaths Across America will pass through Blytheville again this year on its annual tour to the Fayetteville National Veteran's Cemetery.

Wreaths Across America is an organization focused on helping citizens gain awareness of the sacrifices of U.S. troops and veterans, by placing Christmas wreaths on the graves at veteran's cemeteries.

On Thursday at 12:30 p.m., four trucks filled with more than 17,000 wreaths intended for the headstones of veterans will arrive at the Blytheville Walmart for a staging ceremony. The Blytheville Lions Club will cook hot dogs and the Osceola ROTC will perform in preparation for the Veterans Parade that will travel west on Main Street and Walnut Street to the Mississippi County Courthouse.

At 2:15 p.m., community leaders will host a brief memorial service, followed by the laying of wreaths at courthouse gravesites and the release of white doves. Participating in that ceremony will be the Rev. Mike Welch and the Rev. Danny Rigney, along with Blytheville Mayor James Sanders and Mississippi County Judge, Randy Carney. The parade will then continue on Walnut Street, and out of town, en route to Fayetteville.

Local organizer Mark Brown, manager of the Blytheville Walmart said, "We appreciate the continuing support of people in our area. This event is meaningful to everyone it touches, and we are proud to be able to take part in it."

The public is encouraged to attend the ceremony at the courthouse, or to view the parade and greet to the trucks as they pass.

sharris@blythevillecourier.com