On 12/22/2024 I visited Fort Bayard National Cemetery to view the wreaths.
The scene above caught my attention.
This grave does not have a wreath.
This grave has a wreath
There is a wreath missing on the grave of Robert O. Door and the reason the wreath is absent is because Robert O. Door is Jewish.
Instructions to the wreath laying participants was "No wreaths on Jewish graves."
What about the Unknown grave? Was that individual Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Atheist, Other? Should the Unknown grave get a wreath, or should it be unadorned, to stand out in the sea of wreaths, like Robert O. Door's?
Fort Bayard National Cemetery is neutral, hallowed, ground containing the bodies of individuals who served in the military in the service of their country. Some died in battle, some died years later of old age, couples are together for eternity, and some are civilians killed in the 1800's.
They are all equal in God's eyes.
For those of you who would have an interest in the history of wreaths please view this article on the internet.
oregonholly.co/the-history-of-wreaths/
Hopefully, every grave will have a wreath in future years.
Michael D. Barragree
Grant County, NM
