Veterans kick off annual Wreaths Across America event in Rock Hill

Two dozen veterans with Rolling Thunder Chapter 1 of Rock Hill took part of their Christmas Eve to remember the men and women who served their country in uniform.

The motorcycle processional from Fountain Park in downtown Rock Hill to Glencairn Garden was the kickoff for Wreaths Across America, a nationwide charity that places decorations each year on military graves and other locations around the country during December.

The event is typically held the third Saturday of December, said Harvey Mayhill, a member of the local Rolling Thunder chapter. Thursday’s event was the kickoff for next year’s Wreaths Across America, and Mayhill said they are hoping community members will get involved in the fundraising efforts.

During the wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Memorial at Glencairn Garden, the wreath was carried across the memorial, with the carrier stopping in front of the memorial for each military branch to pay respect to the veterans of that branch.

The wreath was placed on the POW-MIA memorial, followed by the reading of “A Soldier’s Silent Night,” which is read to the rhythm of “The Night Before Christmas.”

The ceremonial playing of taps on bugle closed the program.

This story was originally published December 25, 2015 at 11:31 AM with the headline "Veterans kick off annual Wreaths Across America event in Rock Hill."