An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

934th participates in Wreaths across America ceremony

  • Published
  • By Capt. S.J. Brown
  • 934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minn. --  Two 934th Airlift Wing Airmen took part in the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minn., Dec. 13.

1st Lt. Brandon Schrader and Senior Airman Justin Gort, reservists  from the 96th Airlift Squadron, braved the 30 degree Minnesota cold to help the WAA organization remember, honor and teach about the service and sacrifices of this nation's veterans and fallen heroes.

Lieutenant Schrader and Airman Gort were among more than 200 people who took part in the ceremony which recognized the efforts of not only fallen military members but national heroes as well. In fact, the two 934 AW Airmen escorted Tom Burnett, Sr., as he placed a wreath on the Air Force memorial. He did this in honor of his son, Tom Burnett, Jr., who was one of the heroes of Sept. 11's Flight 93 that crashed into a Pennsylvania field after the passengers attempted to take the plane from terrorists.

"It was a privilege to be a part of this ceremony and join the families of fallen service members in laying wreaths in remembrance of the sacrifices of their loved ones," said Lieutenant Schrader.

WAA ceremonies took place in more than 200 other national and state veterans' cemeteries across the United States. In what is now very much a holiday tradition, the Minnesota Civil Air Patrol partnered with WAA, to host this year's event at Fort Snelling. There were eight other similar events throughout Minnesota.

"This was my first time to participate in an event like this with Wreaths Across America," said Airman Gort. "But it will not be my last. Seeing the thousands of white tombstone markers lined up in neat rows, tombstones of heroes and their families, it really keeps you humble. It makes you remember what they did for us and reminds us of what we are doing for others."

After the ceremony, veterans, friends, families and military members laid wreaths on approximately 400 graves of Minnesota's fallen heroes.

"I may not have known the heroes laid to rest in front of me," added Airman Gort, "but I just couldn't help but to pause, read the name on the marker and pay my respects with a moment of silence for each one. They deserve that at the very least."