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The Old Three Notch Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will host its annual Wreaths Across America at Magnolia Cemetery again this year.

The wreath-laying ceremony will be Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m., in the historic Magnolia Cemetery, located behind the Covington County Courthouse.

The public is welcome and encouraged to participate in laying wreaths on veterans’ graves in the cemetery.

Last year was the inaugural ceremony, during which approximately 30 wreaths were laid in Magnolia Cemetery. Additional wreaths were sponsored and laid on veterans’ graves located in other cemeteries. It was a small, intimate ceremony, but it was respectful and honoring of those who served.

The overarching goal of Wreaths Across America is to Remember, Honor, and Teach: Remember those who served, Honor them and their sacrifice, and Teach the next generation. “One of our wreath-layers last year, Sarah Bowman, brought her husband and two young sons with her. Mrs. Bowman served in the Navy, and placed the POW-MIA wreath. After the ceremony, she thanked me for inviting her and for helping teach her boys the importance of patriotism and remembering and honoring those who served and are serving,” said Location Coordinator Hannah Cross. All participants in last year’s ceremony are veterans, save Ms. Cross. Robert Evers, Army veteran, spoke poignant words on the importance of service and honoring those who served, and wreath-layers included Kelley Lynn (Army), Jennifer Dinwiddie (Navy), Jeff Cross (Air Force), Randy Barefoot (Army National Guard), Bill Vines (Navy), and Sarah Bowman (Navy).

Sponsorships for this year’s wreaths are being accepted now. Individual wreath sponsorships are $17 each. Generic sponsorships will provide wreaths to lay on the 114 veterans’ graves at Magnolia Cemetery. Sponsorships can also be made in honor of a veteran or “grave specific,” meaning that particular wreath will go on a specific veteran’s grave.

“Sometimes the different types of sponsorships can get a little confusing. Keep a look out for our posts on social media, explaining them and giving instructions. But, if you have questions, reach out! We’ll also be sharing more info at our fair booth and through WAAO radio,” Cross said.

For further information about Wreaths Across America and other local DAR projects, check out and follow the Old Three Notch DAR Facebook page. You can reach Ms. Cross, the Magnolia Cemetery Location Coordinator, at 769-257-3281 or hannahcross07@gmail.com.

For other DAR inquiries, reach out to Chapter Regent Carol Ann Mullins at 912-312-6628 or Carolann.mullins@gmail.com.