Karnes County’s 5th annual Wreaths Across America Day to honor veterans was celebrated Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Veterans Memorial Garden in Karnes City.

The ceremony began with a minute of silence to remember the fallen POWs, MIAs and to honor all veterans. Those killed in Connecticut were also remembered. The Color Guard posted the colors followed by a prayer, the pledge and the national anthem.

The Arlington story about Morrill Worcester and his Christmas wreath company laying wreaths at the Arlington Cemetery was told. Eventually with the help of many volunteers, the Worcester family formed Wreaths Across America, which now lays over 220,000 memorial wreaths at 545 locations in the United States and beyond.

Honored veterans from Karnes County laid seven wreaths for the six branches of the armed forces and one for prisoners of war or missing in action. A final wreath was laid by Lillie and Russell Jonas in memory of the children in Connecticut.

Newly elected County Attorney Herb Hancock addressed the audience about his deep interest in our veterans and his wish to serve them.

The Color Guard fired a salute to all veterans. The Karnes City High School Band ended the program with an armed forces medley and then Taps was played.

For questions or information, please call Mary Louise Jonas, 830-780-2816 or visit the website www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/about-us/thearlington-story/.