by Kiersten Ortiz
ExecuTeam was proud to participate in National Wreaths Across America Day on December 17, 2022, at the Houston National Cemetery. Several members of the ExecuTeam staff and their families joined thousands of other volunteers to honor our veterans by laying Maine wreaths on each headstone. This is a tradition that takes place nationwide every December, and we are proud to be a part of it.
ExecuTeam was proud to participate in National Wreaths Across America Day on December 17, 2022, at the Houston National Cemetery.
It was a chilly day but spirits were high as teams gathered to begin their work. Thousands of volunteers arrived to honor our Nation’s heroes. The ceremony started at 11:00 AM, with many people arriving as early as 7:30 am.
The ceremony was led by Master of Ceremonies Len Cannon of Houston’s KHOU -11 and included the Presentation of Colors, a flyover by the Commemorative Air Force, Houston Wing flying WWII War Birds, a beautiful bagpipe medley by the St. Thomas Episcopal Pipe Band, a presentation of wreaths, a 21 rifle salute by the Semper Fi #3 Memorial Honor Detail, Taps performed by Jason Browne of the U.S. Marines and more.
A total of 48,510 live, handmade balsam wreaths were placed on the headstones of veterans buried at the cemetery, and they will remain in place until Clean-Up Day on Saturday, January 21, 2023.
Several members of the ExecuTeam staff and their families joined thousands of other volunteers to honor our veterans by laying wreaths on each headstone.
The ExecuTeam staff proudly laid wreaths at veteran headstones as a small token of respect and remembrance for those who sacrificed so much for our country.
In the spirit of giving, ExecuTeam also raised funds and sponsored wreaths on behalf of many of our clients.
The event was even more important to us this year, as we honored the recent passing of a veteran and the founder of our parent company, Don Stallard. Don retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel, after serving five years on active duty in the Air Force as a jet pilot and decorated Vietnam veteran.
Don’s military service not only inspired him to found The Reserves Network, but he also continued to support veterans and veteran organizations through its efforts. In fact, many of the staff of The Reserves Network Family of Companies and their relatives are either retired service members or in the reserves.
On November 25, 2022, Don Stallard passed away peacefully at the age of 76, surrounded by his loving family.
This is a tradition that takes place nationwide each December, and we are proud to be a part of it.
National Wreaths Across America Day is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.
This is the 15th year the ceremony honored both living and passed-on service members at the Houston National Cemetery.
Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization that places wreaths at hundreds of cemeteries across the country every December, rain, snow, or sunshine.
The organization follows the mission of Remember, Honor, and Teach: Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and their families, and Teach future generations about the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms.
As a non-profit organization, Wreaths Across America relies on the work of thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths, and participate in other events.
Individual wreaths sponsors, corporate donors, and volunteer truckers pay for the cost of veteran services and recognition programs.
While coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies each December is a big part of what the organization does, its values are carried out throughout the year. From the Remembrance Tree program to the Wreaths Across America Museum in Maine, there are many different ways in which you can get involved!
We are proud to be a part of this event, and we encourage you to participate as well by donating wreaths or by finding a location to volunteer near you.
For more information about Wreaths Across America, visit their website at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
ExecuTeam honors veterans with Wreaths Across America
ExecuTeam is honored to have been a part of this tradition and to support our nation’s veterans.
We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in Wreaths Across America and to remember and acknowledge our brave service members and their families, especially Don Stallard.
Thank you to our clients and candidates for making this possible and thank you to our Nation’s veterans and your families for your service and sacrifice. And a special thank you to Don for his positive impact on so many lives. His legacy will live on.
2022 Wreaths Across America – ExecuTeam Photos by Kiersten Ortiz