Gov. Sandoval joins in wreath laying ceremony honoring veterans, active duty military personnel

By Sean Whaley, Nevada News Bureau: Gov. Brian Sandoval was joined by the 8^th grade class from St. Teresa of Avila School today in a 5^th annual wreath laying ceremony on the steps of the Capitol honoring the nation’s veterans and active duty military personnel.

Also participating in the ceremony was Anita Parker, representing the Battle Born Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Carson City Major Bob Crowell.

The wreath laying is sponsored by the DAR as part of the “Wreaths Across America” project. Similar ceremonies were held in the nation’s capital and in state capitals across the country.

“Five years ago, the Battle Born chapter and members of our community first gathered here on the steps of Nevada’s Capitol during the busy holiday season to remember the fallen, honor those who served, and teach our children the value of freedom as part of the Reach Across America project,” Parker said. “We come today together even as others gather in other state capitols, and our nation’s capitol, to remember that we are one nation with one flag.”

One of the students, Noah Jennings, read a poem titled “Twas the Night Before Christmas for a Soldier.”

Sandoval said: “As we stand here together on a chilly December morning, the comforts of our homes and offices not far away, it is fitting that we remember the sacrifices of those who have served and sacrificed in the United States Armed Forces.”

Sandoval noted that on Wednesday he and others will commemorate the 70^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

“Today we remember that our troops come from families just like ours,” he said. “We remember those who have fallen, those who have returned, and those who continue to serve during this holiday season, separated from those who love them. We offer them our thanks.”

After his comments, Sandoval, Crowell and Grace Bayliss, student body president at the school, presented the wreath.

–

Audio clips:

Anita Parker, representing the Battle Born Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, says the wreath ceremony is to remember those who served and continue to serve:

120511Parker :28 with one flag.”

Gov. Brian Sandoval says it is fitting to remember the sacrifices of the nation’s Armed Forces during the holidays:

120511Sandoval1 :18 States Armed Forces.”

Sandoval says the troops come from families just like ours:

120511Sandoval2 :23 them our thanks.”