COLUMBIA, S.C. (ACCNS) -- "We come not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them," Francis A. Walker said.
It was with this thought in mind that several Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. gathered with retirees and South Carolina residents at Fort Jackson National Cemetery to lay wreaths on the gravestones of America's resting heroes for "Wreaths Across America," an annual ceremony that began in 1992 at Arlington National Cemetery.
"My office decided to come to this as a group," said Airman 1st Class Morgan Gibson, 20th Force Support Squadron personnelist. "I had never been to an event like this before."
Senior Master Sgt. John Herrick, 243rd Engineer Installation Squadron Air National Guard working for Air Forces Central, pointed out the importance for military members to see these observances.
"I think it's important that everyone attends an event like this at some point," he said.
"I've been to a couple. It's an incredibly humbling experience. It helps instill in you what you are really doing as an Airman."
When the Shaw Airmen arrived at the cemetery, the first thing they did was get into formation and stand at parade rest before the ceremony started.
"It was great being with so many Airmen," Herrick said. "They all formed up and took this seriously. Their military bearing really added to the service and helped bring confidence in our service."
The ceremony began with the Patriot Guard Riders forming up in a line behind the stage, holding the flag of the United Stated of America.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James Milano, commanding general of Fort Jackson Army Training Center, quoting Ronald Reagan in his speech to the attendees. "We didn't pass it on to our children in our bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same."
The colors were posted by the South Carolina Air National Guard after his speech, and the U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Rosalyn Reeder led the gathering in the pledge of allegiance followed by the National Anthem.
Wreaths were then handed out to all who were in attendance to place on 1, 345 headstones, covering every single grave, said Carol Davis, Fort Jackson Wreaths Across America leader.
Holiday wreaths were placed on memorials of each military branch, including the merchant marines, commemorate those who have fallen, prisoners of war or missing in action.
"Everything came to fruition when I laid the wreath on the grave," Herrick described. "I had an Air Force master sergeant that was in my gravestone line. That was an honor. It always is anytime we recognize those who went before us."
Placing the wreaths and walking among the headstones held deep meaning for many in attendance.
"Going through and seeing the names on those graves really made me feel thankful for what we have here," Gibson added. "It touched me and made me think about what we are doing."
Once all the wreaths were laid, the ceremony was closed with a prayer, followed by a 21-gun salute by the cannon battery of the 187th Ordnance Battalion, Fort Jackson, S.C., and the playing of Taps.
"The cannon salute really stood out to me," Gibson said. "I had never seen or heard one before. It was moving."
Even though it was not his first remembrance ceremony, Herrick was still touched.
"There were so many things about this ceremony that stood out to me," Herrick added. "It's hard to put into words. It was humbling to be there."
Herrick recalled seeing a lady in tears lying over one of the gravestones.
"There were so many emotions that were going through me," Gibson added. "It was sad, touching, and moving; the biggest thing was just feeling so thankful for what they did."
"That made it all real," Herrick said.
Both Airmen agreed that they would do this again and others should too.
"I believe it is our duty as service members to recognize those who come before us," Herrick said. "It's a way of saying thank you."
USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)