A boy pays his respects after placing a wreath on a veteran’s grave during the Wreaths Across America ceremony, Saturday, Dec. 13, at the IOOF Cemetery.

The National Wreaths Across America ceremony brought a solemn sense of unity to IOOF Cemetery in Farmersville Saturday, Dec. 13, as community members gathered on a cold, gloomy day to honor fallen service members, recognize those who serve and teach future generations about the value of freedom.

The Farmersville site was one of more than 5,600 participating locations nationwide to observe National Wreaths Across America Day. This year, 470 wreaths were sponsored for the IOOF Cemetery and 10 for Farmersville Memorial Park.

Billie Goldstein, Wreaths Across America co-coordinator, served as emcee for the ceremony. Members of VFW Post 7426 posted the colors, and Marty Roustio of Farmersville Masonic Lodge 214 led the invocation.

Mayor Craig Overstreet delivered opening remarks, thanking volunteers and reflecting on the sacrifices represented at the cemetery.

“Thank you to all of you gathered here to honor our fallen soldiers,” Overstreet said. “As we stand on hallowed ground, we honor over 470 men and women. Let us never forget — it is by their service that our cherished liberties are preserved.”

Overstreet also shared the national Wreaths Across America theme for 2025, “Keep Moving Forward,” inspired by the final words of Army Capt. Joshua Byers, who was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2003.

“As individuals, let us live life with purpose each day to honor our fallen as a community,” Overstreet aid. “Today, I remember and honor my father, Walter Overstreet, one of five Overstreet brothers who proudly served this nation.”

City Council member Kristi Mondy followed, emphasizing unity and shared responsibility.

“The willingness to come together to volunteer and support this cause shows remembrance is not a solitary act,” Mundy said. “By joining hands across cultures and generations, we ensure future generations understand the cost of freedom.”

Goldstein then asked attendees to reflect on their personal motivations for participating, posing the question, “What is your why?”

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Kyle Bellue, executive dean of Collin College’s Farmersville campus, addressed the crowd by sharing his own answer.

“I participate in this ceremony every year not just as a retired Air Force officer, but as a son, as a friend and as a grateful American,” Bellue said.

Bellue spoke of three fellow weather officers whose lives embodied military service and sacrifice, including his father, Col. Dan Bellue; Lt. Col. Bill Schrader, who died protecting members of his squadron; and Capt. Nate Nylander, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2011 while attempting to stop an insider attack.

“Their names are not etched only on gravestones,” Bellue said. “They are etched in my heart.”

Co-coordinator Tonya Fox noted that 2025 marks the fifth year Farmersville has participated in the national observance.

“We are fortunate to have so many supporters and volunteers, friends and neighbors, organizations and sponsors join us in this endeavor,” Fox said, adding that the freedoms Americans enjoy “have not come without a price.”

Carla Butler of IOOF Pride Lodge 228 led the honoring of veteran service branches and prisoners of war and those missing in action. Veterans Mike Goldstein, Coleman Strickland, Steve Henslee, Austin Hill, Brandy Clark, Jacqueline Rorick, Ron Brown, Jeff Kewak and Richard Helge placed the service wreaths.

This year’s Gold Star family flag was presented to Mandy Barber and her family. Barber’s husband, Greg “Spanky” Barber, and their son Tim were killed in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 2016.

Following recognition of Gold Star families, Farmersville High School senior Isabella Yanes played “Taps.” Franklin Barber played the bagpipes as volunteers were dismissed to lay wreaths following Goldstein’s final instructions.

“Be sure and take a moment,” she said. “Say the name of the veteran out loud. Say ‘thank you for your service,’ ‘thank you for our freedom,’ and say a prayer.”

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