Cadets honor veterans with Wreaths Across America in Webb City

WEBB CITY, Mo. — The next generation is learning the value of freedom this holiday season by remembering the men and women who have served our country.

"A chance to honor the veterans," said Maj. Henry Cole, Group V, Missouri Wing Civil Air Patrol Public Affairs Officer.

On this bright, sunny Sunday morning, several Joplin Civil Air Patrol cadets and other local JROTC members are working hard.

"We want them to learn where we came from, what our history is," said Maj. Cole.

Roughly 1,200 wreaths now adorn veteran graves in Webb City's Mount Hope Cemetery as part of the Wreaths Across America annual event.

"The cadets will place a wreath, salute, say the veteran's name, and honor them that way. After a moment of silence," said Maj. Cole.

A weather delay caused a slightly late shipment of wreaths, but, if you ask them, it's simply never too late to honor those who served our country or gave their lives for our country.

"They basically write a blank check to the United States of America for anything up to and including your life," said Maj. Cole.

"I have a lot of respect for veterans, and this just kind of taught me how to have a little bit more respect for them," said A1C Cooper Bollman, Civil Air Patrol.

It's Airman Bollman's first time participating, and while things can be a little shaky at first...

"Yeah. When they started doing it this morning, they were very uneasy," said Maj. Cole.

... It teaches a life lesson the cadets will never forget.

"By the last one they did that I saw them do, they're pros," said Maj. Cole.

"The main part of it is having respect for the veterans who served and gave their lives for us, for our freedoms and all the things that we appreciate today," said Bollman.

And, for a third year, Mount Hope Cemetery's veterans have wreaths on their graves, honoring their service this holiday season.

"Really proud to. I've been a member civilian for 25 years. I'm really proud to work with these. Good that site enjoy working with cadets and they're just you won't find a better group of young people," said Maj. Cole.