Pensacola, Fla. – This week the nonprofit Wreaths Across America is rolling its mobile education exhibit through the Florida Panhandle, stopping in Pensacola, Niceville and Fort Walton Beach to honor veterans and teach local families about the nation’s military heritage.
Veteran remembrance at the heart of the tour
Driver ambassador Debbie Kellogg explained that the group’s mission is to ensure no veteran’s name is forgotten. “They say you die twice – once when your heart stops and a second time when your name is spoken for the last time. We want to make sure no one’s forgotten,” she said.
The organization began when Morrill Worcester, after a trip to Washington, D.C., placed extra wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992. Over the decades, volunteers have expanded the effort to cemeteries across the United States, and the mobile exhibit now tells that origin story while encouraging new communities to join the cause.
Wreath‑placing effort at Barrancas National Cemetery
At Barrancas National Cemetery, members of the Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon are working to place a wreath on every grave. Craig McDonnell, a Kiwanis volunteer, said, “We reverently place them and try to get a wreath on every grave. So far we have placed 30,000 of the 51,000 wreaths needed.” He added that additional help is welcome.
Each wreath contains ten parts, each representing a value such as strength, humility and honesty. The exhibit also offers children a chance to welcome Vietnam and Gulf War veterans home with a pin and a challenge coin, reinforcing the link between sacrifice and the freedoms enjoyed by the broader public.
Why honoring service matters
McDonnell highlighted a striking statistic: “Six percent of the U.S. population are veterans or active‑duty service members, yet they protect the remaining ninety‑four percent. That’s why it’s vital to honor them and keep them strong.” Local veterans echoed this sentiment. Army veteran Derrick Iozzio urged residents to visit the cemetery, saying, “It’s awesome because there are so many veterans and active‑duty members in this town. Take time out of your day, visit these people and sponsor them if you can.”
Upcoming stops
The mobile unit will continue its tour later this week, with scheduled appearances in Niceville and Fort Walton Beach. Organizers hope the displays will inspire more communities to join the wreath‑placing effort and expand the network of participating cemeteries.
By bringing the story of Wreaths Across America directly to neighborhoods, the organization aims to strengthen the bond between civilians and those who have defended the nation’s liberty, a goal that aligns with the values of faith, family and individual freedom cherished by the Panhandle’s residents.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
