Volunteers from Sonoran Desert Institute pose for a photo during Wreaths Across America's annual wreath laying at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Honoring Heroes: SDI Volunteers Participate in Wreaths Across America Ceremony

  • Brigitte Johnston

On December 14, 2024, volunteers from Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) gathered at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix to participate in the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony. This heartfelt event honored the brave men and women who served our nation, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered, and their legacies live on.

The event was led by Havilah McMeans, Military and Veteran Services Representative, who organized SDI’s involvement and guided the volunteers throughout the day. Under her leadership, SDI participants laid wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes, reflecting SDI’s deep commitment to honoring and supporting the military community.

Walter Howard, Director of Military and Veteran Services at SDI, shared his thoughts on the ceremony’s importance: “Wreaths Across America is more than an event; it’s a reminder that we must never forget those who gave everything for our freedoms. By laying a wreath and speaking their names, we honor their lives and ensure their sacrifices are remembered.”

The ceremony brought together families, veterans, and community members of all ages, united in a shared mission of remembrance. For the SDI team, participating was a powerful and humbling experience.

Arturo Adame, Sonoran Desert Institute's Financial Services Advisor, places a wreath to honor the fallen during Wreaths Across America's annual wreath laying at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
PHOENIX (Dec. 14, 2024) Arturo Adame, Sonoran Desert Institute’s Financial Services Advisor, places a wreath to honor the fallen during Wreaths Across America’s annual wreath laying at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, veterans’ cemeteries, and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.
Rob Exham, Sonoran Desert Institute's Vice President of Student Finance, honors the fallen during Wreaths Across America's annual wreath laying at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
PHOENIX (Dec. 14, 2024) Rob Exham, Sonoran Desert Institute’s Vice President of Student Finance, honors the fallen during Wreaths Across America’s annual wreath laying at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, veterans’ cemeteries, and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.
Havilah McMeans, Sonoran Desert Institute's Military and Veteran Services Representative, lays a wreath on a grave marker during Wreaths Across America's annual wreath laying at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.
PHOENIX (Dec. 14, 2024) Havilah McMeans, Sonoran Desert Institute’s Military and Veteran Services Representative, lays a wreath on a grave marker during Wreaths Across America’s annual wreath laying at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, veterans’ cemeteries, and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

Havilah McMeans reflected on the day’s significance: “Participating in Wreaths Across America is a reminder that behind every headstone is a story—a life lived, a sacrifice made, and a family forever changed. It’s our responsibility to honor them, not just today, but every day.”

The solemn rows of the National Memorial Cemetery served as a poignant backdrop for this act of remembrance, creating moments of reflection and gratitude for all who attended.

The Wreaths Across America mission—Remember, Honor, and Teach—is a call to action that resonates deeply with SDI’s values. By participating, SDI volunteers demonstrated their commitment to honoring the past while educating and inspiring future generations to appreciate the sacrifices of those who served.

To learn more about Wreaths Across America and how you can get involved, visit their official website. Each wreath laid, and every volunteer present helps ensure that no hero is ever forgotten.

To learn more about SDI’s Military and Veteran Services team and what they can do for our military affiliated community, go to www.sdi.edu/military.

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