Participants asked to register to place wreaths at Fayetteville National Cemetery

FAYETTEVILLE -- People can still honor fallen veterans with wreaths this year at the Fayetteville National Cemetery, just in a socially distanced way because of the pandemic.

Wreaths Across America will happen over four days, rather than one. Those wanting to participate are asked to register beforehand and wear a mask while at the cemetery, according to the cemetery's advisory council.

Volunteers can choose to place wreaths from 9 to 11:30 a.m. or 3:30 to 6 p.m. Dec. 16, 17 and 18, or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 19.

The cemetery's administration is trying to avoid crowds by spreading the event over several days, said Chuck Adkins, chairman of the advisory council. Each year, hundreds of people convene to place wreaths at the estimated 8,500 markers as part of the nationwide event to honor veterans, he said.

The Fort Smith National Cemetery canceled its Wreaths Across America event for this year. The Little Rock National Cemetery will hold its event at 11 a.m. Dec. 19.

"The idea is to ensure that the veterans who have gone before us, those who've served and sacrificed for this country, are not forgotten over the Christmas and holiday period," Adkins said.

Volunteers adorn gravesites with balsam wreaths featuring red ribbon bows. The volunteer recites the name inscribed on the headstone or columbarium.

The time slots allow the cemetery to continue providing respectful interment services to veterans and their families, said Skip Solomon, cemetery director. Families wishing to place wreaths at a specific site are encouraged to sign up for an early slot.

Solomon said slots are filling up fast. The cemetery intends to keep groups limited to 50 at a time, he said.

"We understand and appreciate you want to come pay tribute to the veterans," Solomon said. "But at the same time, we don't want you to come out and put yourself or others at risk because of this virus."

The cemetery will be unable to provide transportation because of the pandemic. Those with mobility issues are asked to sign up for a time Dec. 16, 17 and 18. Groups and the general public should sign up for Dec. 18 and 19 to place all remaining wreaths, according to the release.

Parking will be available at the north Varsity House parking lot on Government Avenue. Participants can park in the white spaces only. Vehicles can drop off and pick up volunteers at the cemetery gate, but must park in the Varsity House parking lot.

A ceremony on the Fayetteville National Cemetery Facebook page on Dec. 19 will replace an in-person ceremony.

Dates and times are exclusive to the Fayetteville National Cemetery. Other cemeteries participating in Wreaths Across America will have their own schedules.

An event to pick up the wreaths is scheduled for 8 a.m. Jan. 9.

Jessica Patrick of Springdale pauses Dec. 15, 2018, to place a wreath at the gravestone of her cousin, Timothy Hugh, while taking part in the 12th annual Wreaths Across America effort at the Fayetteville National Cemetery. The cemetery is asking people to register a time slot this year to avoid large crowds because of the covid-19 pandemic. (File photo/NWA Democrat-Gazette/Andy Shupe)

Stacy Ryburn can be reached by email at [email protected] or on Twitter @stacyryburn.