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Dogtown Fire Department and Local Coordinator Play Key Role in Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Walker’s Chapel
- The Weekly Ledger
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Community News
DOGTOWN, Ala. — Deb Headrick and the Dogtown Fire Department played a vital role in honoring America’s veterans during the annual Wreaths Across America observance held Saturday, December 13, at Walker’s Chapel Cemetery in Dogtown, where 202 veterans were honored.
From the moment the wreaths arrived in the community to the final placement on veterans’ graves, the coordinated efforts of local volunteers and the Dogtown Fire Department ensured the ceremony was carried out with dignity, respect, and care.
Fire department volunteers assisted with receiving the wreaths, securely storing them until the day of the ceremony, and transporting them to Walker’s Chapel Cemetery. On the day of the event, firefighters helped prepare the wreaths for the ceremony and took part in placing wreaths on the graves of the 202 veterans honored, recognizing their service and sacrifice.
The wreaths arrived Friday morning at Dogtown Fire Department Station 1, where volunteers assisted with unloading and transport. Deb Headrick, the local Wreaths Across America coordinator for Walker’s Chapel, emphasized the importance of community partnerships in making the event possible.
“Thank you to Stephen and Sandy with Suit Trucking for the delivery of our wreaths for Wreaths Across America. We really appreciate your willingness to volunteer your time to help us honor our veterans,” Headrick wrote on her social media page. “Also thanks to the Dogtown Fire Dept volunteers for getting the 17 boxes unloaded and delivered to the cemetery. We couldn’t do this without you.”
Headrick has coordinated the Wreaths Across America effort at Walker’s Chapel for the past eight years. What began with approximately 36 wreaths has grown through consistent community support and volunteer involvement, with 202 wreaths placed this year, ensuring every veteran at Walker’s Chapel was honored. Local organizers noted that without Headrick’s long-term coordination and dedication, the ceremony would not be possible at its current scale.
Photos courtesy of Operation Homefront’s social media.
Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2007 with a mission to Remember the Fallen, Honor Those Who Serve, and Teach the Next Generation the value of freedom. What began as a single wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery has grown into a nationwide movement, with millions of wreaths placed each December at veteran cemeteries across all 50 states, at sea, and at international locations.
Each evergreen wreath, adorned with a red bow, symbolizes strength, honor, and the enduring memory of those who served. The organization relies on local coordinators, volunteers, and community partners to ensure every veteran is remembered.
Walker’s Chapel Cemetery, a historic resting place for many local veterans, served as a fitting location for the observance. As wreaths were carefully laid across the grounds, the ceremony stood as a powerful reminder that the sacrifices of America’s veterans are never forgotten.
Community members can continue to support the mission of Wreaths Across America through December 31. Wreaths Across America will match wreath sponsorships made between now and December 31, helping ensure that every veteran receives a wreath. When sponsoring a wreath, remember to enter code AL0097P to have it count toward the local Wreaths Across America campaign.
Cemeteries or community groups interested in participating in future Wreaths Across America ceremonies can register directly with Wreaths Across America. Participation includes identifying veteran graves, coordinating volunteers, and partnering with local organizations. Wreaths Across America provides guidance and resources to help communities honor veterans with dignity and respect.
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