CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Wreaths across America comes to Tyler

Wreaths across America comes to Tyler

TYLER, TX (KYTX) - Wreaths Across America project honors our fallen men and women of the military, and Saturday, the organization came to Tyler.

It's the goal of the Wreaths Across America project to remember our fallen, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom.

War veterans rigidly lay a wreath at the foot of this war memorial, but their hearts bend to their fellow troops buried in the ground nearby.

Captain Skip Smith with the Civil Air Patrol led the Wreaths Across America project locally.

"It honors all of the military services and all of the people who have given their lives for this country for liberty and peace," said Smith.

Kelly Bell is here to lay wreaths on the graves of his father and uncle. "One served in the Pacific, and one served in Europe," he said.

Both men were part of what's considered "the greatest generation."

"Dad was one of the heroes of the Marine corps," Bell added.

Bell said laying a wreath on his grave is the least he can do. "This is him right here," he said as he laid a wreath on the grave.

Arden Miller brought his son Colton along to lay a wreath on the grave of his grandfather, a WWII vet. Miller said he wants his son to realize what freedom means.

"I've just been teaching him that freedom comes from what they do for our country and sacrifices they give," said Arden.

Colton added, "That we have a free country and we're not under a ruler that's really mean."

A simple definition of freedom; and a simple gesture to thank those who helped us gain it.

"You can never do enough for freedom. We have taken freedom for granted even as we are still in two wars in this country."

200 wreaths were laid on the graves of military men and women. The Civil Air Patrol hopes to increase that to 1,000 next year.