Volunteers place wreaths on veteran headstones

SALT LAKE CITY — No matter how much digging it took, even in the bitter cold, no one seemed to mind clearing away snow.

“When they said we need some volunteers, I thought this would be a good thing to do on a weekend with the kids,” said Jake Scheid.

It’s not because Jake Scheid wanted to teach his kids how to shovel snow.

“Uncover it all the way,” he said to his kids.

It’s more because underneath that snow is somebody who deserves to be honored.

“Can you read that name?” said Scheid to his kids.

This was part of the Wreaths Across America event where Christmas wreaths were placed on veterans’ headstones.

The wreaths were bought from people who donated to the group throughout the year.

The Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bluffdale was one of several cemeteries across Utah, and the U.S., where this even took place.

Scheid is a veteran himself and felt it was important to bring his kids, nieces, and nephews to know what it is all about.

“I think it shows the importance of remembering those who served and being able to remember the sacrifice they all did,” he said.

When it comes to sacrifice, Barbara Hill knows what that means about as well as anyone.

“We miss him. He was a fun-loving, goofy, and kind man. We miss him,” she said.

Her son, Sgt. 1^st Class Tyler Hill, was buried here earlier this year.

Seeing the thousands of wreaths, and the reverence given to those who earned them, was impressive to her.

“You don’t realize until your child, especially, is gone how much each person has done for our country,” said Hill.

Those who volunteered to place these wreaths feel it is the least they can do after so many have given so much.

“It is no big deal,” said Scheid. “We are very blessed to be in this country.”

It’s important to note not all the headstones received Christmas wreaths, either because of the Jewish Star of David or other non-Christian religious symbol on a headstone.