Airmen participate in Wreaths Across America

  • Published
  • By Capt. S.J. Brown
  • 934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
FORT SNELLING NATIONAL CEMETERY, Minn. (AFNS) --  Two Airmen took part in the Wreaths Across America ceremony to remember, honor and teach about the service and sacrifices of this nation's veterans and fallen heroes Dec. 13 at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minn.

1st Lt. Brandon Schrader and Senior Airman Justin Gort, reservists from the 96th Airlift Squadron from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Joint Reserve Station in Minnesota, were among more than 200 people who took part in the ceremony.

Wreaths Across America recognized the efforts of not only fallen military members, but also national heroes as well. In fact, the Airmen escorted Tom Burnett Sr., as he placed a wreath on the Air Force memorial. He did this in honor of his son, Tom Burnett Jr., who was one of the heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001, Flight 93 that crashed into a Pennsylvania field after the passengers attempted to take the plane from terrorists.

"It was a privilege to be a part of this ceremony and join the families of fallen servicemembers in laying wreaths in remembrance of the sacrifices of their loved ones," Lieutenant Schrader said.

Wreaths Across America ceremonies took place in more than 200 other national and state veterans' cemeteries across the United States. The Minnesota Civil Air Patrol partnered with Wreaths Across America, to host this year's event at Fort Snelling. There were eight other similar events throughout Minnesota.

"This was my first time to participate in an event like this with Wreaths Across America," Airman Gort said. "But it will not be my last. Seeing the thousands of white tombstone markers lined up in neat rows, tombstones of heroes and their families, it really keeps you humble. It makes you remember what they did for us and reminds us of what we are doing for others."

After the ceremony, veterans, friends, families and military members laid wreaths on approximately 400 graves of Minnesota's fallen heroes.

"I may not have known the heroes laid to rest in front of me, but I just couldn't help but to pause, read the name on the marker and pay my respects with a moment of silence for each one," Airman Gort said. "They deserve that at the very least."

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