BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — At the Louisiana National Cemetery, family members and volunteers gathered Saturday to honor the sacrifices of veterans during the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony.
“The first American hero laid to rest here was part of the Battle of Baton Rouge during the Civil War,” said Denise Singleton, President of the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana. “Many of them no longer have families here to remember them, so it is our duty and responsibility to make sure they are never forgotten.”
For 15 years, the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana have worked tirelessly to ensure the graves of veterans are remembered. This year marked a historic milestone, as every headstone in Louisiana National Cemeteries received a wreath.
“It’s really not about the headstone; it’s about the hero laid to rest there. If we can continue in that effort going forward, then we will have accomplished our mission to remember, honor, and teach,” said Singleton.
The ceremony also included a solemn roll call of veterans’ names, with organizers stressing the importance of community involvement in keeping this tradition alive.