More than 1,500 volunteers gathered at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 13, to honor the nation’s veterans during a Wreaths Across America ceremony and wreath placement event. Following a brief noon ceremony, volunteers placed wreaths on more than 11,400 veterans’ graves, ensuring every service member interred there was remembered this holiday season.
Customers of both Brownsboro Hardware & Paint locations donated generously to support the effort, and both stores served as collection points to raise funds to sponsor all 11,400 wreaths. In addition, Brownsboro Hardware & Paint assisted with a community-wide communications campaign to ensure success. Every wreath was donated with no federal government support. For the second year in a row, every grave once again received a Maine Balsam wreath.
“This event brought together people of all ages who wanted to honor the men and women who served our country,” said Dr. Scott Giltner, location coordinator, Gov. Isaac Shelby Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. “The turnout and participation were a powerful reflection of this community’s respect for our veterans.”
Doug Carroll, owner of Brownsboro Hardware & Paint, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support. “Our customers and neighbors once again stepped up in a big way,” Carroll said. “We had customers come into our stores and buy one, two, five, or 100 wreaths at $17.00 each. We are proud to support this effort and grateful to be part of a community that truly values and remembers those who have served.”
As wreaths were placed, volunteers were encouraged to say each veteran’s name aloud. “Speaking the name ensures that the veteran is remembered,” said Susan Kalmey, co-location coordinator with the Daughters of the American Revolution. “It’s a simple but deeply meaningful act of gratitude.” Wreaths Across America is a national organization founded in 2007 with the mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. In 2024, the organization placed more than three million wreaths at over 5,200 locations nationwide.
About Taylor’s Do it Center and Pleasants Hardware
Taylor’s Do it Center and Pleasants Hardware are family-owned and locally-operated hardware store chains serving Richmond and Hampton Roads, Va. Now with 21 locations, the company continues its culture of outstanding customer service, employee expertise, and quality product selection. Taylor’s Do it Center and Pleasants Hardware are members of Do it Best Corp., the only US-based, member-owned comprehensive and fully integrated hardware, lumber and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. For more information about these stores, follow Taylor’s Do it Center and Pleasants Hardware on Facebook.
