96th Test Wing deputy commander, lays a wreath by a gravestone memorial. — 2025 Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Taylor, 96th Test Wing deputy commander, lays a wreath by a gravestone memorial during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony, Dec. 13, 2025 at Beale Memorial Cemetery. This was the seventh year veterans buried at Beale Memorial Cemetery received wreaths. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)

96th Test Wing deputy commander, salutes alongside U.S. State Representative for House District four during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony. — 2025 Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Taylor, 96th Test Wing deputy commander, salutes alongside Patt Maney, U.S. State Representative for House District four during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony, Dec. 13, 2025 at Beale Memorial Cemetery. The Freedom Bell Sounds at the 9 O’clock hour rung from the Veteran’s Tribute Tower Bell to honor and welcome those efforts across the country and world from the standard set at Arlington National Cemetery not so many years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)

n Air Force Junior ROTC member stands in front of a wreath during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony. — 2025 Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony

An Air Force Junior ROTC member stands in front of a wreath during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony, Dec. 13, 2025 at Beale Memorial Cemetery. The program grew locally in its seventh year and honored over two thousand veterans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)

2025 Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Taylor, 96th Test Wing deputy commander, lays a wreath by a gravestone memorial during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony, Dec. 13, 2025 at Beale Memorial Cemetery. This was the seventh year veterans buried at Beale Memorial Cemetery received wreaths. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)

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2025 Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Taylor, 96th Test Wing deputy commander, salutes alongside Patt Maney, U.S. State Representative for House District four during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony, Dec. 13, 2025 at Beale Memorial Cemetery. The Freedom Bell Sounds at the 9 O’clock hour rung from the Veteran’s Tribute Tower Bell to honor and welcome those efforts across the country and world from the standard set at Arlington National Cemetery not so many years ago. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
2025 Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony

An Air Force Junior ROTC member stands in front of a wreath during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony, Dec. 13, 2025 at Beale Memorial Cemetery. The program grew locally in its seventh year and honored over two thousand veterans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)

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Eglin, community leaders honor military service

Published Dec. 16, 2025

BEALE PARK CEMETERY, Fla. --

Community members, veterans, and military leaders, including Col. Brian Taylor, 96th Test Wing deputy commander, gathered for the 2025 Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony at Beal Memorial Cemetery in Fort Walton Beach, Florida to honor more than 2,000 veterans laid to rest at this historic site.

Hosted by the Veterans Tribute Tower Committee with support from local, state, and military organizations, the ceremony reflected the national mission of Wreaths Across America to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the value of freedom through remembrance and service.

The event featured a Gold Star wreath unveiling, service roll call, musical tributes, and military honors, uniting the community in a shared commitment to pause, reflect, and take time to remember. The 2025 national WAA theme was, "Keep moving forward."

Ret. Army 1ST SGT, Veterans Tribute Tower Committee Chair, shakes hands with U.S. Air Force 96th Test Wing deputy commander during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony. — Tom Rice, Ret. Army 1ST SGT, Veterans Tribute Tower Committee Chair, shakes hands with U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Taylor, 96th Test Wing deputy commander during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony, Dec. 13, 2025 at Beale Memorial Cemetery. Rice and volunteers from the local community helped with logistics and planning for the ceremonial event, in its seventh year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)

A Gold Star Family sits next to each other during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony. — A Gold Star Family sits next to each other during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony, Dec. 13, 2025 at Beale Memorial Cemetery. The Gold Star family unveiled a wreath in commemoration of their loss during a wreaths presentation roll call. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)

A Gold Star Family stands around a wreath during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony. — A Gold Star Family stands around a wreath during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony, Dec. 13, 2025 at Beale Memorial Cemetery. The wreath-laying ceremony held each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, serves to honor and teach and show gratitude for the freedoms Americans enjoy.

96th Test Wing deputy commander, delivers his remarks during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony. — U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Taylor, 96th Test Wing deputy commander, delivers his remarks during the Wreaths Across America Placement Ceremony, Dec. 13, 2025 at Beale Memorial Cemetery. Included in the audience alongside the right of Taylor sat a Gold Star Family, a designation honoring their ultimate sacrifice, a tradition originating from WWI. (U.S. Air Force photo by Michelle Gigante)