Martha Green’s family has a long history of military service, which is a key reason she attended the 12th annual Wreaths Across America ceremony Saturday at Loose Funeral Homes and Crematory.

The military heritage in Green’s family began with her great-great-grandfather, who served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.

“He fought at Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, a lot of major battles,” she said.

That legacy continued with her grandfather, father and brother.

Green said she was proud to celebrate her family members and other veterans on Saturday by singing “The Star Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America,” and “Amazing Grace.”

During the ceremony, members of each military branch laid wreaths in the funeral home’s outdoor memorial space with the help of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps members from Anderson Preparatory Academy.

Wreaths are associated with remembering the fallen, but their symbolism goes further, according to the event’s keynote speaker, Obadiah Smith, a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force.

“The circular shape of the Christmas wreath symbolizes God’s everlasting presence and the continuous cycle of life,” Smith said. “The evergreen foliage represents healing and the promise of eternal life. The colors of the wreath — green and red — symbolize growth and the blood that was shed.”

Wreaths Across America is a national initiative to remember the fallen, honor those who have served and teach future generations about the sacrifices of those who have gone before.

Those ideals are something J.R. Rosencrans, a retired member of the U.S. Marine Corps, carries into his daily life, including his service as a firefighter.

“You’ve got an example to set (as a Marine), because you’ve got every Marine that was ever in (the service), they are looking at you to say, ‘Do the right thing, don’t bring dishonor,’” he said.

Rosencrans shares similar sentiments during school assemblies. He encourages young people to make the best of their lives.

“Don’t waste your chance because of what the veterans have done for all of us,” he said in summarizing his message. “You’ve got a chance in America because the veterans throughout our history have guaranteed that.”

That guarantee is continuously fought for, according to Rob Loose, owner of Loose Funeral Homes and & Crematory, requiring more young people to step up and serve in the military.

“We have to have our freedom, and that’s the only way we can have it,” he said.

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