Wreaths mark veterans’ graves
The grave marker of Michael Ronald “Ron” Eslinger is among those honored during National Wreaths Across America Day at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville.
Eslinger, an Anderson County veteran and Clinton business owner, passed away Dec. 25, 2024. He served a combined 36 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Army and Navy, retiring with the rank of Navy captain. He is one of many Anderson County veterans laid to rest at the cemetery, located at 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Highway.
National Wreaths Across America Day was observed Saturday, Dec. 13, with ceremonies at more than 5,500 locations nationwide.
Volunteers placed more than 3.1 million wreaths on veterans’ graves, honoring fallen service members by saying their names aloud as each wreath was laid.
The annual observance is part of Wreaths Across America’s year-round mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach future generations the value of freedom.