From Jane Burris
Captain William Bibb Chapter DAR
Top Photo: (L-R) Captain William Bibb DAR members: Cheryll Bass, Elizabeth Gillian, Jane Burris, Allannah Tindal, Kathleen Tobias, Colleen Paige and Alicia Chalker
From Jane Burris
Regent of Captain William Bibb Chapter DAR
Wetumpka, AL: On Saturday, December 14, more than 3 million wreaths were laid at the graves of veterans in more than 4,200 cemeteries across the United States. One of those cemeteries was the Wetumpka City Cemetery in Wetumpka, AL, where members of the Captain William Bibb Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and dozens of citizens gathered to do their part for Wreaths Across America. This year 311 wreaths were placed at Wetumpka City Cemetery, 98 of those sponsored through Captain William Bibb.
This marks the second year that Sentry Riders Motorcycle Group has partnered with Captain William Bibb DAR to sponsor the event in Wetumpka. Sentry Riders Motorcycle Group leader and event organizer, Paul Wolbeck, gave a touching tribute to our veterans while Captain William Bibb Daughter, Kathleen Tobias, sang the National Anthem. Daughter Alicia Chalker offered the invocation, before a wreath was presented for each branch of service. Representatives were Chief Jerry Hargrave – U.S. Air Force, Ricky Messick – U.S. Marine Corps, Chuck Wiese – U.S. Navy, Major Sallie Duncan – U.S. Space Force, Private Jeremiah Robinson – U.S. Army, Ward Wittington – U.S. Coast Guard, and finally representing the POW/MIA across all branches and divisions of the U.S. Armed Forces, Staff Sergeant Michael Rash – U.S. Army.
In keeping with the 2024 national theme established by Wreaths Across America, guest speaker, Retired U.S. Air Force Major John A. (Jab) Brown, encouraged attendees to “Live with Purpose.” He cited numerous examples of veterans in Wetumpka and surrounding areas who have lived with purpose. He challenged the audience to take it one step further – to “live with purpose, on purpose” as many of our veterans have done.
Following the ceremony, volunteers picked up wreaths and placed them on veteran’s graves.
After placing each wreath, individuals were instructed to say the service member’s name aloud and pause to reflect upon their service, thus ensuring their memory lives on.
The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom. Each live, balsam veteran’s wreath is a gift of respect and appreciation sponsored by an individual or organization and placed on a headstone by volunteers as a small gesture of gratitude for the freedoms Americans enjoy. Wreaths Across America believes the tradition represents a living memorial that honors veterans, active-duty military, and their families.
Preparations for next year’s ceremony are already underway Wreaths Across America Day will be Saturday, December 13, 2025. For those who would like to contribute, Wreaths Across America will match all wreaths sponsored through a registered WAA sponsorship group for placement of a wreath next year. Visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/AL0116 for more information.
If you are interested in learning more about DAR membership, visit https://www.facebook.com/captwmbibbnsdar/ or contact [email protected]
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org:
