Wreaths and Gold Star Tree Return to Lake Benson Park
The Garner Veterans Memorial is decorated with wreaths in honor of the community men who died while in military service and other military men who died in our community while serving. The families of those men are honored with a Gold Star family tree.
The Garner Veterans Memorial is decorated with wreaths in honor of the community men who died while in military service and other military men who died in our community while serving. The families of those men are honored with a Gold Star family tree.
The annual ceremony, which usually includes bagpipes and representatives from each military branch, was cancelled this year because of the pandemic, but the wreaths are up and the Gold Star tree is decorated.
“This is something that we think is important to our community,” said Jeff Hicks, who helped decorate the tree. “We didn’t want to have the ceremony out of an abundance of caution, but we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to honor those who paid the ultimate price.”
The event is sponsored by Show N Tell Ministries.
The Garner Optimist Club donated the tree and the five wreaths and Garner Florist donated the wreath bows. The Town of Garner erected the tree and hung the wreaths on the memorial using specially designed hangers fabricated by the town.
Each man who is listed on the Garner Memorial has his own star. Last year stars were added for the men who died in our community during the Civil War and during World War II. All of the World War II casualties here were airmen.
In addition, Gold Star families from the area have come to past events to hang a star for their loved one.
The wreaths and the tree will remain up until after Christmas.
Garner Main Street Alive with Holiday Events for 2020
Visit Downtown Garner now through the end of 2020 for a dose of holiday cheer and socially-distanced events!
TOWN OF GARNER HOLIDAY EVENTS & THINGS TO DO
Republished from the Downtown Garner Association
Visit Downtown Garner now through the end of 2020 for a dose of holiday cheer! While the holidays look a bit different this year, the Downtown Garner Association invites you to enjoy a safe, socially-distanced walk down Main Street. This go-at-your-own-pace event is open 24/7 – we urge visitors to take necessary safety precautions and avoid crowds due to COVID.
The windows of Garner’s historic business district have been transformed into a winter wonderland with festive holiday artwork. Visit the North Pole, say hi to Santa, carol along to the 12 Days of Christmas, and stop off for a cup of cheer!
While you enjoy the bright Christmas lights, cheery artwork, and jolly green wreaths, take pictures – it’s perfect for family holiday photos and Instagram backdrops! Be sure to tag @DowntownGarner on Facebook and Instagram and use #GarnerChristmasOnMain in your photos – we’ll feature our favorites weekly!
VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
Friday, December 4th – 6pm
Join the Town of Garner for our Virtual Christmas Tree Lighting! Mayor Ken Marshburn and Santa come together to light the tree and and bring Christmas cheer!
FAMILY CANDY CANE HUNT
Saturday, December 5th – 12-4pm
In this photo scavenger hunt, families will each be given a poster size candy cane to decorate, along with clues on locations to take it around Town. Groups will return to Avery Street with photo evidence and receive a Holiday Family Craft Kit. Prizes will be given to the most festively dressed team and best decorated candy cane.
CHRISTMAS ON MAIN STREET
Saturday, December 5th – 1pm
Drive by the Garner Recreation Center on December 5 from 1-3pm to wave and wish at Santa!
Bring your holiday spirit and keep everyone safe by following these rules:
1. Traffic will only enter Main Street from New Rand Road.
2. Please remain in your vehicle.
3. Please do not stop.
GARNER HISTORICAL SOCIETY CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
Sunday, December 6, from 2:00 to 4:00
Members of the Historical Society will be at the building beside the Historic Depot on Sunday, December 6, from 2:00 to 4:00 with Christmas ornaments and a few other items for sale. These ornaments were hand made by an artist in Sanford and there are a limited number – don’t miss out! Only cash and check payments will be accepted at this time. For more information, follow the Historical Society on Facebook.
THE HALL SISTERS HOLIDAY CONCERT
Thursday, December 17th – 7pm
While you can’t come to the GPAC, the GPAC is coming to you! We are pleased to continue our GPAC from Home series where we offer a FREE livestream performance featuring some of the best in local and regional talent. Join us on Thursday, December 17th for a holiday performance by The Hall Sisters!
Garner Fire-Rescue Brings Spirit of Christmas to Jaycee Burn Unit
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Burn victims at the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center can’t be home for Christmas, so to help ease their pain, a group of firefighters from Garner paid a visit on Saturday. (via WRAL)
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Burn victims at the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center can’t be home for Christmas, so to help ease their pain, a group of firefighters from Garner paid a visit on Saturday.
Read the Full Story at WRAL.com
Garner Pauses on December 21st for Wreath Laying and Gold Star Family Recognition
Garner pauses to recognize our military sacrifices and Gold Star families
Wreaths will be hung at the Garner Veterans Memorial and our Gold Star families will be recognized on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m., at Lake Benson Park. The public is invited.
Wreaths will be hung at the Garner Veterans Memorial and our Gold Star families will be recognized on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m., at Lake Benson Park. The public is invited.
2018 Wreath Laying Ceremony
The wreaths, one each for the five branches of service, will be placed at the memorial by military personnel. Two members of the honor guard from Seymour Johnson Air Force base, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Bani Bunyan, recently retired U.S. Marine Capt. Trey Grissom, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer George F. Lauff, Jr.; U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer First Class Jason Trail and U.S. Army Major General Charles Scott (retired) are expected to form the military escort.
Bagpipes played by Jeff Hammerstein will lead the Town of Garner's Honor Guard to the memorial.
After the wreaths are hung, each of the escort will hang a star on the tree in honor of the families of the men represented by the gold stars. The public is invited to hang stars in honor of the families of the loved one who died while in military service.
Sixty-six stars already are hanging on the tree in honor of the 66 community men who were killed while in the military.
Recognizing Garner’s Vietnam Veterans
There will be special recognition of our Vietnam veterans.
Eight men from the community were killed in Vietnam.
The Wall That Heals, a traveling ¾ scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will visit Lake Benson Park on April 16-19. The Wall that Heals is 400-foot long and 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. It is expected to be located near the Garner Veterans Memorial.
The Wall That Heals travels with a mobile learning center.
Learn more about The Wall That Heals visit to Garner below.