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Editorial

The POW/MIA flag gently waved in the wind behind WBRC Fox 6 News Anchor Janice Rogers as she fought back tears discussing the loss of her brother, U.S. Marine Cpl. James Alvin Rogers, who is interred at the cemetery.

“It still gets you, no matter how many years go by,” she said.

Beneath the logo on the POW/MIA flag were the words that served as the central theme of the service and the rest of the morning: “You are not forgotten.”

This was but one instance of grief accompanied by pride, love and solidarity that was on display through the entire morning as volunteers and family members participated in Wreaths Across America.

With more than 9,000 graves spread across 479 acres, it is a monumental task to lay a wreath on each grave in the cemetery. Even securing the wreaths for the service required the coordination of organizations and truck drivers. However, the memory of each veteran and the gratitude for their service empowered each and every family member and volunteer to get the job done.

In a country that is fractured by bickering, infighting and division, people from across all walks of life were united in their love and compassion for those we’ve lost. From the older family members who were present to remember their loved ones who sacrificed everything, to the young students displaying respect and helping carry out services in Thompson High School’s Air Force ROTC—everyone collaborated and worked together.

This year’s ceremony marked the 16th annual Wreaths Across America service at the Alabama National Cemetery, and it is our hope that it continues each and every year as a solemn reminder of the cost of our own rights. It is a small price to pay to take the time one Saturday morning to lay a wreath and to repeat the name inscribed on it—making sure that they aren’t forgotten.