Wreaths Across America: American Heritage Girls honor Veterans at Brookside in Millbrook

By Amanda Pevey

Elmore Autauga News

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On Saturday, the American Heritage Girls Troop AL0125 hosted the National Nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) event held at the Brookside Memorial Gardens in Millbrook. This is the sixth year the cemetery has participated in the National program. The Wreaths Across America’s mission is to REMEMBER the fallen, Honor those who serve and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.  Across the country, 4,225 memorial sites participated and had over 2.9 million wreaths. There were approximately 65 planned events that participated in the Wreaths Across America across Alabama.

Pastor Brannon Bowman from Millbrook Presbyterian Church opened up the ceremony with a prayer and moment of silence to remember the fallen, the prisoners of war, and honor those who have served and currently serving in the military.

Next, the girls had special guests of honor to participate in representing veterans who have served or are currently serving.

Major General Sheryl E. Gordon, Army National Guard, laid a veteran’s wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Army.

Lt. Colonel Christopher Perez, United States Marine Corps, laid a veteran’s wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Marine Corps.

Petty Officer First Class Retired John Hudak, United States Navy, laid a veterans’ wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Navy.

Major Richard Myer, United States Air Force, laid a veteran’s wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Air Force. 

Private First Class Retired Maryanne Fosse, United States Army, laid a veteran’s wreath in honor of those who are serving in the United States Space Force.

Captain Doreen McCarthy, United States Coast Guard, laid a veteran’s wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Coast Guard.

Petty Officer Second Class Retired Kirce Lloyd, United States Navy, laid a veteran’s wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Merchant Marine.

Lt. Colonel Retired Douglas Bonebrake, United States Army, laid a veteran’s wreath in honor of the over 81,000 United States service members from all branches of the service whose last known status was either prisoners of war or missing in action.

During the ceremony, the girls were able to explain the 13 folds of the flag and what each represents. A song was sung by the girls, “America the Beautiful,” and a beautiful poem was read to all who attended.

“Our troop heard about Wreaths Across America at a conference and fell in love with the service opportunity to thank veterans,” said American Heritage Girls Troop AL0125 Leader Dora Bonebrake.

She continued, “In 2018, Troop AL0125 decided to remember and honor the veterans at Brookside Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens.  They got to work raising the funds to lay wreaths on nearly 500 graves.  Once that task was completed, they took to working on a worthy ceremony.  Over the years, the girls have written and presented a wonderful ceremony.  Today, all girls in the troop took part in the ceremony and assisted the community in remembering and honoring veterans in Millbrook, AL.  Not only are the girls learning leadership and citizenship skills, they are learning what it means to have freedom. We are incredibly thankful for the guests of honor that joined us today to lay a wreath representing veterans that have or are currently served in each branch of the military.”

If anyone would like to help in the mission of Wreaths Across America and AHG Troop AL0125, they may sponsor a wreath at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/AL0045P.  From now until January 16, 2024, any wreath sponsored will be matched by Wreaths Across America.

Wreaths Across America event will take place again on December 14, 2024.

American Heritage Girls is the premier national character development organization for young women, ages 5 – 18 years old, that embraces Christian values and encourages family involvement.  AHG focuses on building women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country.  AHG accomplishes this with a program that emphasizes building on faith, leadership, citizenship, social-emotional, life and outdoor skills. 

If you would like more information, please visit:  https://AmericanHeritageGirls.org and search for Millbrook, AL in the “Find a Troop” block.  AHG Troop AL0125 meets at Millbrook Presbyterian Church on Tuesdays.