The Laurel Women’s Civic Club held its inaugural Wreaths of Remembrance ceremony last Saturday at Oddfellows Cemetery in Laurel. According to Laina Betts Dunn of the Laurel Women’s Civic Club, the cemetery has been a final resting place for veterans since the Spanish-American War.
The Laurel American Legion Post 19 color guard is shown during the playing of taps at the end of last weekend’s Wreaths of Remembrance ceremony at Oddfellows Cemetery in Laurel. Photo by Mike McClure
The ceremony opened with a moment of silence to remember the fallen, POWs, MIAs, and those serving in the military.
“We stand here as proud Americans from many walks of life but it didn’t come without a price,” said Rep. Tim Dukes. “This nation is always the first to stand up for freedom for people around the world.”
County Council member elect Matt Lloyd said he lost friends in service to the country. He urged those in attendance to remember the fallen, honor those serving and their families, and share their stories with the next generation.
“We’re not here to remember their deaths but their lives,” Laurel Mayor John Shwed said.