December 14, 2025 — A foggy Central Valley morning lifted slowly over Clovis Cemetery on Dec. 13 as volunteers, veterans, students and families gathered among rows of headstones marked with small American flags—each one waiting for a wreath.
The annual Wreaths Across America ceremony brought the community together to remember fallen service members, honor those who have served, and teach future generations the value of freedom. By the end of the morning, wreaths had been placed throughout the cemetery, marking nearly every veteran’s grave.
“This ceremony is one of the most powerful symbols of appreciation and respect for the men and women who gave so much to protect our way of life,” organizers shared during opening remarks, emphasizing that the event is entirely volunteer-driven—from the transportation of wreaths to their placement.
During the program, U.S. Air Force Col. John D. Lundholm, who served as master of ceremonies, reflected on the origins of Wreaths Across America, noting that the tradition began when a wreath maker from Maine arranged for surplus wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery. What started as a quiet act of remembrance later gained national attention, growing into a nationwide movement carried out each December at cemeteries across the country and abroad, including Clovis.
Special recognition was given to Linda Branham, the Clovis Cemetery location coordinator, whose dedication has helped sustain the local ceremony year after year. Volunteers from across the community—including students, service organizations, military affiliates and families—assisted in preparing and placing wreaths across the grounds.
Youth involvement was a central focus of the morning. The Clovis East Junior ROTC supported the ceremony with sound, color guard duties and ceremonial roles, while local Sea Cadets also took part, reinforcing the mission of passing remembrance and respect on to the next generation.
The national anthem was performed by Clovis High School student Mikaela Sabella, drawing quiet attention from the crowd. Lundholm briefly noted early audio issues that resolved precisely at the line “and the rockets’ red glare,” with the remainder of the performance carrying clearly across the cemetery.
The Clovis High School choir later performed patriotic selections, including “God Bless the USA,” as attendees stood in silence, listening respectfully.
A solemn POW/MIA tribute honored prisoners of war and those missing in action, featuring a symbolic table representing sacrifice, absence and enduring hope. Ceremonial wreaths were presented for each branch of the U.S. military, the Merchant Marines, and POWs and MIAs.
This season marked the final time Lundholm served as master of ceremonies, as he will be retiring from the U.S. Air Force in the coming year. Organizers noted that his retirement is the reason he will not return to the role, closing a long-standing chapter of service to the Clovis community.
A rifle salute by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Honor Guard and the sounding of taps provided a moment of stillness before wreath placement began.
Following the ceremony, participants dispersed throughout the cemetery to place wreaths on headstones, where they will remain through the holiday season and into the New Year. As wreaths were set in place, many attendees paused to salute the graves, standing silently for a moment before moving on—small, personal gestures that reflected the depth of respect felt across the cemetery.
As wreaths were laid and names spoken aloud, the morning served as a reminder that remembrance is not confined to a single day—but carried forward by a community committed to honoring those who served.