Wreaths Across America is an annual campaign to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. The organization raises money to place fresh balsam wreaths on Veterans’ headstones. 

The Karns High School Air Force Junior ROTC participates as group TN0225P in the fundraiser and sponsors wreaths for the Lyons View Veterans Cemetery, better known as the old East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. Karns has been a part of the program for many years and plans to continue participating in the annual event. 

Colonel John O’Donnell, an advisor for JROTC said, “The idea is to always keep the name of our veterans alive. That way they are always remembered every year.”

At the ceremony, participants announce the fallen names before placing the wreath on top of their headstones. The person who is placing the wreath can be either a volunteer or someone significant to the fallen veteran. 

“I have been in ROTC for a year and I know it is very important to a lot of people,” sophomore Abi Breese said. 

“It is important to me because I had a great-grandfather who served in the Marines for four to five years before I was born,” freshman Jordan Pannell said. 

JROTC had a goal of 500 wreaths this year and came very close to reaching it. Their total reached over 428 wreaths. The ability to sponsor a wreath is over but it was simple to do. To sponsor a wreath, one just had to provide $17 and it could be done online, by check, or by cash. Any remaining wreaths at the end of the event at any participating cemeteries will be taken to other cemeteries around Knox County. 

The ceremony is open to the public and starts at noon on Saturday, December 16th at the Lyons View Veteran Cemetary.