The Shelby Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) participated in the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on December 14, 2024 at Mountain Rest Cemetery in Kings Mountain.
Shelby CAP cadets served as Color Guard for the ceremony, which was hosted by the Colonel Frederick Hambright chapter of the DAR. Then, alongside other volunteers, they placed live balsam wreaths on the graves of veterans throughout the cemetery, honoring each one by saluting and saying the name aloud.
Cadet Squadron Com-mander, Second Lieutenant Benjamin Odom said, "Our squadron always looks forward to serving in such an important ceremony. It is something we work hard to be prepared for each year."
Jeff Patterson visited the cemetery after sponsoring a wreath in honor of his father James, a Navy veteran, who is buried there. Patterson said he was amazed at how many wreaths there were, commenting "The wreaths are a visual reminder to others of the vast number of selfless veterans that have served".
Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. Anyone can sponsor a wreath to be placed on a specific grave, or on the grave of any veteran. Last year three million sponsored wreaths were placed nationwide.

About Civil Air Patrol
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world's largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
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