‘Wreaths Across Chattanooga’ dedicates over 25,000 wreaths

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Saturday was the big day for ‘Wreaths Across Chattanooga’ as a handful of 18-wheelers dropped off over 25,000 wreaths, and volunteers lined up to honor and remember veterans during the holiday season.

Retired Navy Captain, Mickey McCamish said, “I’ve been involved with Wreaths Across Chattanooga now about eight years. This is about my eighth year and we’ve grown each year. We’ve grown from the back up of a pick-up truck… We had five trailers come in this morning… We had one trailer yesterday that came in and we started placing specific wreaths… So its grown every year.”

Before McCamish dedicated his time to Wreaths Across Chattanooga, he served 27 years in the United States Navy and served in the Vietnam War.

“What it means to me is remembering and honoring all of those who have served our nation… and that we haven’t forgotten it. And to honor their lives. The wreaths are live wreaths, and at the same time we are celebrating the lives of these veterans with a live wreath,” McCamish said.

With over 25,000 wreaths to put out, there’s one special wreath that McCamish puts out every year since being a part of the organization.

“My mother is laid to rest here so I always go and quote her name– place a wreath on her grave. I do that very early. Of course the first wreaths we lay are over at the Wreath of Honor — it is over by the Reserve Center for the Fallen Five,” McCamish added.

At just $10 you can donate a wreath to those that protected and served our country to ensure we live the life we have today.