Volunteers from East Multnomah County participated in a national event by Wreaths Across America this holiday season. They placed Christmas wreaths at the gravesites of veterans to help keep their memories alive.

“They say everyone dies twice – the moment you stop breathing and the last time someone says your name. The idea [with placing a wreath] is your memory continues to burn in the loved ones you leave behind. Every time you enter their thoughts, or they recount a story, or look at your photograph, a bit of you continues to live on.”

Pat West, who spurred the Gresham VFW Auxiliary to sell wreaths this year, said, “We want more groups to sponsor wreaths so we can honor even more veterans.” The wreaths remained in place for a month.

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