The Wreaths Across America’s Mobile Education Exhibit is scheduled to visit Shelbyville on Thursday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Veteran’s Plaza on the public square. Exhibit tours are free to the public.
If you see the exhibit heading into Shelbyville, be sure to honk your horn. Those driving the rig have grown use to that while traveling the country since 1992.
One visiting the exhibit said “people walk out in awe.”
Another said, “It’s unbelievable what they’re doing.”
One attendee recently said in the Wreaths Across America YouTube video, “Everyone should experience this.”
For Shelbyville’s Defenders of Freedom and Liberty (DFL) group, which is sponsoring this event, the mobile’s visit to Shelbyville is nothing short of an answered prayer. While DFL has applied to have the mobile visit, it was going to take some time to possibly get it in Shelbyville.
But, things worked out for this community. So the group is really promoting this rare occasion.
DFL is a group of patriotic volunteers dedicated to remembrance of veterans of the nation’s armed forces. Every year, since 2018, the DFL conducts its Wreaths Across America event in Bedford County—one which consists of a ceremony and wreath placement at participating local cemeteries.
A life-long resident of Bedford County, Tim Estes is a founding member of the DFL and has served as board president since its inception. He’s a veteran himself, retiring at the rank of sergeant first class after 22 years of dedicated service in the U.S. Army. Estes is a combat veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
This mobile exhibit represents the teaching aspect of the Wreaths Across America mission. Estes added it is important for everyone to remember, honor and share stories about those who’ve faithfully served this country.
The national Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit states that its goal is to bring local communities and America’s military together with education, stories and interactive connections. The 48-foot long exhibit is equipped with a 24-person screening room that showcases the different aspects of the WAA mission through video.
To the front of the exhibit there are three interactive computers to showcase locations, trucking supporters, and general wreath sponsorship questions. Also, in the front is an education wall of information on the different areas of WAA and where the mission will be going in years to come.
More information will be coming about the 2022 Wreaths Across America program. Volunteers are always needed to place wreaths on all veterans’ graves. DFL members note this is a teachable moment to help the next generation of Americans fully understand the cost of the freedoms and liberties right here in the United States.
Anyone wishing to support Wreaths Across America in Bedford County may send checks to: Defenders of Freedom & Liberty, 105 Diane Drive, Shelbyville, TN 37160. See more information on the DFL Facebook page and website.
