Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) participated in the Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony, Dec. 17 at the Hampton National Cemetery, Hampton Va. to honor all veterans past, present and future.

"I like going to ceremonies like these so I can remember those who have fallen," said Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn Fuller, a Sailor assigned to Lincoln. Fuller was one of more than 20 Sailors from the Lincoln who laid a wreath at the cemetery that morning.

Active-duty service members, members of the Patriot Guard Riders, veterans from all services and family and friends attended the event meant to "remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom."

As part of the nationwide Wreaths Across America initiative, six ceremonial wreaths were placed in front of a monument honoring the five services and all POW/MIA veterans. However, those involved in the planning made sure this year's ceremony had a little something special.

"The wreaths before you represent our commitment as a United America," said the event Master of Ceremonies Cmdr. Jimmy Landrom. "To our children, we want you to understand the freedoms you have today."

After two-years of small ceremonies with just six wreaths, a decision was reached to make sure there was a wreath on every one of the approximately 2,000 graves.

"When we lay wreaths on veterans'' graves we say their names." said Landrom. "A person dies twice: once when they take their final breath, and later, the last time their name is spoken."

More than 1,700 wreaths were laid by volunteers early in the morning, with the final 25 being placed by active-duty Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen during the ceremony.

"We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free and we shall not forget you," said Curt Lowrey.



For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/.