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Clark County has long consisted of individuals willing to serve their country.

On Saturday, Dec. 16th, citizens paid tribute to many of those who have since passed away.

Wreaths Across America held a wreath-laying ceremony at Caudill Thacker Cemetery on 5206 Trapps Goff Corner Road to recognize many deceased veterans willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice.

“It started out as such a small thing that was just hopeful, and then it spread throughout the country. Now it’s spread throughout the entire world,” said Reverend Nathaniel Kent of Second Baptist Church in New Albany, In.

Started in 1992, Wreaths Across America began with volunteers seeking to honor veterans at Christmas time by placing green wreaths – adorned with red bows – at the graves of former soldiers.

By 2021, nearly two million wreaths were placed nationwide at more than 3,100 participating locations.

The ceremony takes place on the third Saturday of each December, and – in addition to the event itself – Wreaths Across America seeks to be active in providing education by offering tools such as interactive media programs and opportunities for schools, 4-H organizations, scout troops, and more to continue learning.

In an emotional ceremony for several family members, a dozen Clark County veterans were honored/

They were Elmer O. Brashear, James Thacker, Stephen Thacker, Shadrack Thompson Caudill, William B. Combs, Cecil Combs, Arthur Henry Watts, Benjamin Taylor Watts Jr., Gayle Douglas Baber, Daniel Hall, John H. Stevenson, and Brack Chandler.

The day began with a brief introduction by Sue Baber Castle, family historian and caretaker of Caudill Thacker Cemetery, and Allison Kent – who helped coordinate the Wreaths Across America ceremony with the cemetery.

“I realized we had veterans up here, so I talked with my cousin, Sue, and she said, ‘We should do that’ I said, ‘Okay!’” Kent said. “I think it’s an awesome thing that we can do.”

Following the introduction, a representative – often a relative – went to each headstone carrying a wreath.

After stating the veteran’s name aloud, a wreath was laid on or near each headstone.

With respectful silence from the crowd, each veteran was honored with a salute from Cadet Erica Berry, a U.S. Army National Guard member.

At the ceremony, the hymn “Amazing Grace” was also sung, and the bugle call “TAPS” was played – as is customary during patriotic memorial ceremonies and military funerals conducted by the United States Armed Forces.

The event was significant for individuals such as Kent, who also served in the U.S. Army for over twenty years.

“It is a privilege to know…that people still honor those who have gone before us,” Kent said.

As a lasting reminder, Kent acknowledges the role that being willing to offer service – as veterans do – makes in society.

“We’re called to be in the service for some reason,” he said. “Sometimes, it’s in the service of our country. Sometimes, it’s in the service of our fellow man. We’re all called to serve, and we must serve as we can.”