12 | 21 | 2015
A weekly publication of Newport News Shipbuilding
Shipbuilders and Sailors Honor Veterans with Holiday Wreaths On Dec. 11, Newport News shipbuilders paused from their holiday preparations to honor fallen veterans at the Hampton National Cemetery. NNS volunteers joined active service men and women, military families, Boy Scouts, high school students, fraternal organizations and other Hampton Roads civic groups prepare for the National Wreaths Across America Remembrance Ceremony. Hours before the noon-time event, volunteers arrived at the cemetery to unwrap and fluff wreaths and red bows to place at 11,000 headstones. NNS’ Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) organized the shipyard’s participation in the event. “Volunteering with Wreaths Across America is a wonderful way to honor those who protected our freedom through service and sacrifice,” said Beth Hoss (E89) VERG director of Community Relations. “WAA promises to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and also teach our children the value of freedom.”
The event’s theme “Every Stone Has a Story” was true for NNS employees Audrey Davis and Gina Chew-Holman. After the wreaths were staged and ready for the ceremony, the two volunteers visited the final resting place for their relatives. Davis said, ”It was an honor and privilege to support Wreaths Across America with VERG, not only in remembrance of all the fallen soldiers and their families, but also to place a wreath and a poinsettia on the grave of my in-laws TSGT Howard Gibson and his wife Emma Jane Gibson. “ Chew-Holman visited her great-uncle’s grave the first time since attending the World War II veteran’s internment as a child. “Being here today is as emotional and memorable as it was when I was a little girl,” Chew-Holman said. “I was proud to represent my family and support Wreaths Across America.” CONTINUED ON PG 2