MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey took part in the 11th annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at the capitol on Monday. The service is part of a nationwide effort designed to help Americans remember and honor their fallen defenders during the holiday season.

Joining Governor Ivey at the event were Major General Sheryl Gordon, Blue Star Salute Foundation President Tom Long and Sandra Robertson of Gold Star Wives of America.

“Freedom is preserved by those who defend it,” said Ivey. “We must never forget those who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice, laying their lives down for their country. We will lay a wreath at the Fallen Heroes Memorial here at the state capitol to remember and honor those Alabamians who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Gordon said she was glad “we are remembering the service members who have fallen.”

The families, particularly at this time of year, there is an empty place at the table,” she added. “By us commemorating them with wreaths across America, it reinforces the fact that we still remember them.”

Ivey proclaimed December 14, 2019, as “The 11th Annual Wreaths Across America Day.”

Robertson, a gold star wife, told Yellowhammer, “The ceremony was absolutely wonderful. We appreciate so much people remembering our husbands. … Alabama has always stood up for our military, and those of us who’ve had someone pass away, we appreciate that so much.”

“We do this every year,” she added. “It’d be wonderful to have more of our Montgomerians show up.”

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.