SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be paying tribute to hundreds of veterans and their families next weekend with a wreath-laying ceremony.
It happens every year at this time all across the country, including at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery.
These are hallowed grounds where area veterans are laid to rest.
Each headstone bears a name and carries a story of service and sacrifice.
“We’ve been able to do it out here at the veterans cemetery since 2021,” Erin Brown with the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery said.
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with Midwest Honor Flight and Wreaths Across America, will host a wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, December 14th.
Brown says it will be an emotional day.
“We do taps and full honors out here on that day and when we instruct the families to go out to the burial areas, we ask them to stop at each veteran’s grave and say their name and place that wreath,” Brown said.
While it’s only been going on here for four years, the wreath-laying ceremony started more than 30 years ago at other grave sites across the country.
The public is invited to join in for 30-minute program and then participate in the wreath-laying ceremony.
Brown says it can’t be overstated how much it means to the families.
“Very important we’ve had some families with us now for our fourth year and for some, it’s their first year without their loved one so it means a lot and gives them that little bit of a Christmas cheer and allows us to remember them during the holiday season,” Brown said.
The wreath laying ceremony will take place Saturday, December 14th at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery at 11 am.
