Zachary's National Cemeteries Seeking Volunteers to Sponsor and Lay Wreaths
Nov 18, 2024 01:58PM ● By Lauren Pope
More than 17,000 U.S. veterans are interred at two national cemeteries near Zachary. Each December, Wreaths Across America (WAA), a national nonprofit organization, honors the service and sacrifices of these heroes by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at over 4,600 locations nationwide. These ceremonies ensure that the legacies of our fallen heroes are not forgotten.
In Zachary, the Louisiana National Cemetery and Port Hudson National Cemetery participate in this heartfelt tradition.
Zachary resident Mignonne Calcote Ramagos, whose father is buried at the Louisiana National Cemetery, has been involved in the wreath-laying ceremony since learning about it.
Usually, an elderly Veteran from each branch of the military lays a main wreath during the "very emotional" ceremony.
She says that many veterans resting there have no family to purchase wreaths for them. Currently, just 466 of the 4,500 veterans' graves at the Louisiana National Cemetery have been sponsored. At Port Hudson National Cemetery, 1,215 of 13,500 graves have wreath sponsors.
Volunteers of all ages are invited to help lay the wreaths, and sponsoring a wreath costs $17—a small act of kindness to honor those who gave so much.
Use this link to register to volunteer.
Louisiana National Cemetery
Located at 303 West Mount Pleasant Road in Zachary, the Louisiana National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for approximately 4,500 veterans. On December 14, 2024, at 11:00 am, Wreaths Across America will conduct a ceremony at this cemetery to honor these veterans by placing remembrance wreaths on their graves. The general wreath placement is scheduled for Friday, December 13, at 9:00 am. Community members are encouraged to participate by sponsoring wreaths or volunteering for the event.
Chester Calcote is one of 4,500 Veterans laid to rest at Louisiana National Cemetery.Port Hudson National Cemetery
Situated at 20978 Port Hickey Road, the Port Hudson National Cemetery is the resting place for over 13,000 veterans. While the main ceremony will be held at the Louisiana National Cemetery, general wreath placement at Port Hudson is planned for Friday, December 13, at 9:00 am. Volunteers are invited to assist in laying wreaths to honor the veterans interred there. To sponsor a wreath for a Veteran buried here, click here.
How to Get Involved
Community involvement is crucial to the success of Wreaths Across America's mission. Individuals can contribute by sponsoring wreaths, volunteering to place them, or spreading awareness about the events. Sponsoring a wreath costs $17, and each sponsorship ensures that a wreath is placed on a veteran's grave. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate in the ceremonies and wreath placements.
By participating in Wreaths Across America events at the Louisiana National Cemetery and the Port Hudson National Cemetery, residents of Zachary and the surrounding areas have the opportunity to honor the memories of those who served and sacrificed for the nation.
