By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
A dozen family members turned out to Sunset Memorial Oaks Cemetery Saturday morning to pay tribute to loved ones who had served their nation in the military.
The event, coordinated locally by Sunset Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory, was part of Wreaths Across America, an
organization whose goal is to put a wreath on every veteran’s grave in America.
Thanks to the Robles family who sponsored the event, 128 veterans locally received wreaths. Last year, Wreaths Across America helped ensure more than three million veterans received wreaths for their graves across the nation.
While many families honored their loved ones by placing the wreaths on their graves, there were many others who volunteered to help. A number of local pageant winners as well as members of veterans’ organizations were on hand to help.
In addition, the Laughlin Air Force Base Honor Guard performed honors with a gun salute and the playing of Taps.
This was the first year Robles and his team at Sunset participated
in the event.
“I just feel that any chance we get to honor our veterans, we need to take advantage and do it,” Robles said. “They have given so much for our country and putting a wreath on their grave during the holidays is the least we can do.”
While Wreaths Across America has a goal for a wreath on every veterans’ grave in the nation, Robles wants to honor every veteran at Sunset.
“This year, we were honored to help 128,” Robles said. “But there are many more veterans buried here, and I want to make sure every veteran is honored with a wreath next year. We just need help with sponsorships from the community.”
Velma and Christiana Gutierrez honored their husband and father Raymond with a wreath. Raymond served in the Navy during Vietnam and passed away in 2023.
“I just have so many emotions being here,” said Raymond’s wife Velma as she walked across the cemetery to his grave holding the wreath. “I’m glad we can do this for him because his service
meant so much to him. He went during Vietnam, and he wasn’t drafted, but he volunteered to go. Service meant so much to him and I’m glad we are able to honor his service today.”
According to Enrique Treviño, Val Verde County Veterans Services Officer, who gave a short speech to those gathered, this is part of why these events happen.
“It is so important we stop and honor our veterans,” said Trevino. “It’s their love of country and their willingness to go wherever and do whatever is needed that keeps us free.”
The writer can be reached at JoelaLangton@gmail.com .
