A matter of honor...

Members from the local American Legion posts hold onto the wreaths they would later set next to the flags representing each military service branch as well as current prisoners of war and those still listed as missing in action during this year's Wreaths Across America observance Saturday. Part of a coordinated effort involving approximately 500 different communities across the nation, the wreaths represent the nation's commitment to remember those who serve this nation and those who gave their lives in its defense, according to event organizers. Photo by Brian S. Orban

Overcast skies and a threat of rain didn't deter a small crowd from gathering in Carl Miller Park on Saturday morning to pay tribute to military veterans across the United States.

The Mountain Home community joined cities across the nation to honor past and present service members during this year's Wreaths Across America Day observance.

Part of a coordinated event that began simultaneously at more than 500 participating locations across the country, representatives from the local American Legion posts were among the estimated 100,000 volunteers that placed 200,000 wreaths during these observances.

During the event, representatives with local veterans organizations stepped forward to place the specially designated wreaths in front of flags representing the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine as well as current and former prisoners of war and those still missing in action.

"The wreaths... represent our commitment as a united America to remember the fallen," said Troy Wilkins, a spokesman from American Legion Post 26. "We also want these holiday wreaths to symbolize our honor to those who have served (or) are serving in the armed forces of our great nation."

In his comments at this weekend's ceremony, Wilkins also paid tribute to the families of military service members, "who endure sacrifices everyday on our behalf."

The event also emphasized the need to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. During her comments, guest speaker Amy Thurber held up two small banners. The first featured a blue star on a white field surrounded by a red border. The other was nearly identical except that its star was gold.

"The blue star stands for hope and pride," she said, highlighting the symbolism of the Blue Star Banner. "Those family members who have died during their service are represented by a gold star."

Thurber, who is now part of the local Gold Star Mothers group, lost her only son on Dec. 8, 2004. An Army staff sergeant, he died during combat operations in Iraq.

"We need to remember all who have served our great county and all who are still in harm's way," Thurber said.

Saturday also marked the 19th anniversary of the Arlington Wreath Program. Morrill Worcester started the program in 1992 when he donated and helped lay 5,000 Christmas wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. For the Maine native, it became an annual journey to the national cemetery, according to a statement from the national non-profit organization.

The yearly wreath laying remained a relatively obscure event until 2005 when a photo of the stones adorned with wreaths and covered in snow circulated around the Internet, officials added.

Many of the people attending the Mountain Home observance included veterans of past wars and conflicts "that America has had to fight to protect the innocent and oppressed," Wilkins said. "America has always been the first nation to stand up for the freedom of people from around the world."

More photos available in the Mountain Home News photo gallery