Saturday was Wreaths Across America “and” Campbell County Day

“Emotional day for me as I thought what “Wreaths Across America” meant’- Captain Vivian Loudy

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Wreaths Across America Day was observed Saturday, and it was the first time this special day was observed in Campbell County. “I learned about this touching ceremony when meeting with my DAR group, Daughters of the American Revolution, and decided we ought to take part here,” said Captain Vivian Loudy, U.S. Army Nurse retired.

The purpose of Wreaths Across America is to make sure our veterans are not forgotten, according to the captain. “When we place a wreath on a veterans grave, we say their name and salute,” said Loudy. This first observation in Campbell County was in conjunction with Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1148.

“We picked up the wreaths on Thursday, and we first gathered Saturday at 10am at Woodlawn Cemetery (at the end of West Central Avenue).

“Saturday was an emotional day for me as I gave thought to what the words “Wreaths Across America” meant. My thoughts focused on the sacrifices that each veteran had given when they took their oath not thinking about what might happen to them whether it might be war, death or disability. Some veterans were drafted and others joined voluntarily,” said the retired captain.

The Grantsboro cemetery at the Grantsboro Baptist Church was the next stop on Saturday.

I saw a tombstone as far back as the Spanish American War. Many a World War II and Vietnam War soldiers rest in Woodlawn Cemetery. My heart hurt thinking each was someone’s child, husband, brother or other relative. They gave ALL. More than just a thought,” said Loudy.

All in all, more than two million volunteers and supporters gathered to Remember, Honor and Teach at more than 5,200 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad, including Campbell County, Tennessee.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-12/15/2025-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)