Brookland, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Veterans were remembered, honored and their legacies preserved Saturday during the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at Pine Log Cemetery near Brookland, part of a nationwide observance held simultaneously at thousands of cemeteries across the country.
The local event drew community members, veterans’ families, volunteers, law enforcement agencies, motorcycle clubs and student ROTC groups to honor those who served in the United States Armed Forces. Following a brief ceremony, volunteers placed remembrance wreaths on the graves of fallen veterans, pausing to say each veteran’s name aloud — a core tradition of the Wreaths Across America mission.
Wreaths arrived in Craighead County on Friday, escorted by a large, patriotic procession that traveled through Jonesboro and Brookland before reaching Pine Log Cemetery. The escort included the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office, Brookland Police Department, Jonesboro Police Department, Arkansas State Police, and numerous community organizations and volunteers.
According to organizers, the wreaths were delivered by Frito-Lay, a longtime partner of Wreaths Across America. This year’s delivery route covered more than 2,500 miles, transporting over 6,000 wreaths through Colorado, Kansas, and finally to Brookland, where Pine Log Cemetery served as the final stop.
Several local businesses, civic groups, and individuals contributed to the event, including Foster’s Monument, Hathcoat Funeral Service, Timmons Trucking, First Choice Farm and Lawn, Roof Raiders, Hugg and Hall Equipment, Rudi’s Towing, and others. Members of the American Veterans Motorcycle Club and Saints and Sinners Motorcycle Club also participated in the escort.
Student volunteers from Brookland Public School ROTC and Greene County Tech ROTC assisted with unloading wreaths on Friday and helped with placement following Saturday’s ceremony.
Organizers extended special thanks to local coordinators and volunteers, including David Trantham, Thad West, Chris and Kelly Johnson, Teddy and Beth Foster, and Brody and Becca Foster, whose efforts helped ensure the event’s success. Pine Log Cemetery officials said the program would not be possible without the dedication of these community members.
Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to Remember the fallen, Honor those who served, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. National Wreaths Across America Day is observed annually on the second Saturday of December, with ceremonies held at more than 5,500 locations across all 50 states.
Local organizers emphasized that the Brookland event remains a community-wide effort and welcomed residents of all ages to participate, reflect, and help ensure the sacrifices of America’s veterans are never forgotten.