[title subtitle=”WORDS Catherine Frederick with Philip Merry, Chairman, Christmas Honors”][/title]
Each December, thousands of community volunteers from all over the region come together to transform the United States National Cemetery at Fort Smith by placing one wreath on each of the thousands of headstones in honor of every man and woman’s service to our country. This voluntary act is in appreciation to Veterans and their families such that they will never be forgotten. This year, due to COVID-19, the event has been cancelled; however, tributes will still take place. Do South® reached out to Philip Merry, Chairman, Christmas Honors, to learn more.
Christmas Honors
PO BOX 10696, Fort Smith, Arkansas
479.926.0939
christmashonors.org
DS: What is the mission of Christmas Honors and how is the mission carried out?
Christmas Honors pays remembrance, tribute, thankfulness and respect to the 16,300 Veteran gravesites at the Fort Smith National Cemetery in downtown Fort Smith. Annually, we place Christmas wreaths with beautiful, vibrant red bows on each gravesite. Each year, for thirty days, the National Cemetery is transformed into an absolutely beautiful setting with honor, respect, and remembrance filling the air on the grounds. Scores of individuals help prepare the wreaths each year and thousands take part in the wreath laying ceremony on the first Saturday in December.
DS: How do Christmas Honors’ efforts positively impact the communities in Arkansas and Oklahoma?
Christmas Honors is proud to advise multiple cities on how to set up and carry out their own version of Christmas Honors in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Multiple cities are assisted by our board of directors in product and service tribute recommendations. Each has their own unique way and that’s what makes it special! As for Fort Smith, it has enhanced the historical, educational, and patriotic spirit of our area and our citizens.
DS: Tell us a bit about the history of Christmas Honors.
When we started our mission thirteen years ago there were 12,000 gravesites at the Fort Smith National Cemetery; today, there are nearly 16,300! Directly or indirectly, including the cities we advise, we help pay respect to over 48,000 Veterans.
DS: How can our community help this year? And, are there upcoming opportunities our readers should be aware of?
Please realize that COVID-19 has necessitated an alternate plan for the tribute this year, per the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Cemetery Administration. Our first priority is on the wellbeing and safety of our citizens. Be on the lookout for social media tributes in the form of digital billboards and newspaper inserts and in particular the “Reading of the Names & the Ringing of the Bells” for every Veteran buried at the Fort Smith National Cemetery located in downtown Fort Smith.
A Veteran’s greatest fear is not of dying; but of being forgotten. We, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, shall never forget them. We shall never forget….
Next month, we’ll showcase another worthy charity in our area free of charge. If you have a nonprofit you’d like to see recognized, email us at catherine@dosouthmagazine.com.
