Wreath-laying remembers our veterans

Brownsboro Hardware & Paint, a Do it Best dealer, assisted in raising funds to purchase wreaths that were placed on veterans’ graves recently at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Kentucky.

The hardware business raised money for wreaths by taking donations in their stores and assisting with web donations.

“I can’t thank our customers and friends enough for stepping up to help again this year,” said Doug Carroll, owner of Brownsboro Hardware & Paint.

“More than 900 wreaths were purchased at our two stores alone, and we sponsored another 200. We had such strong support with people buying one, five, ten, or even 100 wreaths. We are blessed to live in such a caring community, and we intend to raise enough to break another record next year,” said Carroll.

A total of more than 8,700 wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves at the cemetery, located northeast of Louisville, Kentucky, thanks to broad support from the community, said the hardware firm. This is a record number, and 2,500 more than last year, it added. More than 1,600 volunteers attended, also a record.

Attendees placed wreaths on graves in remembrance of the sacrifices veterans have made. Throughout the country, similar ceremonies took place at other national cemeteries as part of the National Wreaths Across America Day.

“When a wreath is placed, we ask that the person say the veteran’s name out loud,” said Susan Kalmey, co-location coordinator, Corn Island Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

“That way, that veteran is never forgotten. Many participants will bring their children to teach them about the contributions that our veterans have made for the betterment of our country,” she said.

Brownsboro Hardware & Paint recently celebrated its 63rd anniversary. The company has two locations, one in Louisville and the other in Prospect.