NCR Airmen honor fallen in annual wreath ceremony Published Nov. 22, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs National Capital Region -- The Joint Service Volunteer Committee is partnering with the nonprofit organization Wreaths Across America to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the annual event Dec. 9 and 10 at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. Servicemembers are encouraged to volunteer to help place holiday wreaths on every grave in Arlington. "While service Honor Guards perform funerals daily honoring our nation's veterans and heroes, this is the a time where anyone can come pay respects on an individual basis," said Lt. Col. Kenneth Marentette, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard commander, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Founded in 1992 to continue the annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington that was begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester, Wreaths Across America now participates in wreath presentations and events throughout the U.S. and elsewhere. This year, the event is also recognizing the 10th anniversary of 9/11. "When you lay a wreath down at a headstone, you can't help but feel a connection with the servicemember you are honoring - it's a very positive, personal experience that lasts a lifetime," Marentette said. To register as a volunteer, Airmen should visit http://www.cnic.navy.mil/ndw/about/communityservices/index and fill out the registration form. For directions to Arlington National Cemetery, visit the website at http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/. For more information, Airmen can call (202) 441-2680.