JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Naval Support Activity Charleston, S.C. and Navy Wives Club of America (NWCA) MENRIV #240 participated in the Wreaths Across America (WAA) event at Beaufort National Cemetery (BNC) on December 12, 2015 honoring fallen service members. WAA coordinated wreath laying ceremonies on the same day at Arlington National Cemetery and other veterans' cemeteries around the world.
Beaufort National Cemetery holds the remains of over 21,000 service members and many thousands of individuals sponsor wreaths. NWCA MENRIV #240 donated 200 wreaths which were included in the 3,700 wreaths laid at BNC.
Designated a National Cemetery in 1863, BNC now has interred remains from every major American conflict, including the Spanish-American War, Korean War, Vietnam and the Gulf War.
On May 29, 1989, nineteen Union soldiers of the all black Massachusetts 54th Infantry, whose remains were found on Folly Island, South Carolina in 1987, were buried in the cemetery with full military honors. Members of the cast of the film Glory served as honor guard.
The WAA week of events is made possible by thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths and participate in the events.