HELENA — People gathered at the Montana State Capitol on Monday to honor veterans and active military as part of Wreaths Across America.
The tradition isn’t just about the holidays. It’s about keeping their memories of sacrifice alive.
“I think of the men and women who missed holidays, they missed events, and those who gave their lives in service to our country,” Linda Juvik with the Montana POW/MIA Awareness Association said.
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Volunteers conduct wreath ceremonies at their state capitols across the country. In Helena, the Daughters of the American Revolution led the ceremony.
The wreaths that became a tradition over 30 years ago symbolize so much.
“Everblooming in the winter, and the darkest days and darkest nights, so what it does is gives us hope," said Jane Hamman, with the Daughters of the American Revolution.
This year’s theme is keep moving forward, and for Hamman, who has been a part of the ceremony for over a decade, she says it’s a good reminder.
“That means that we continue to perpetuate the memory of the soldiers who have made our freedoms possible,” Hamman said.
The wreath will remain in the Capitol Rotunda for the remainder of the year.
“It has just as much meaning as a wedding ring; it reminds me of the service of family members, neighbors, and people I go to church with," Juvik said.
Volunteers will place 1,600 wreaths at Fort Harrison on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m.
Click here if you would like to sponsor a wreath at any point in the year.
