More than 230 “Wreaths of Honor” displayed on the Battleship North Carolina

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — On the U.S.S. North Carolina, “Wreaths of Honor” being displayed along the Battleship to honor veterans and service members

The “Friends of the Battleship North Carolina,” a local non-profit, placed more than 230 “Wreaths of Honor” for display during the holiday season. The 20-inch wreaths have the names of veterans and active duty service members on them. The wreaths were purchased by friends and families across the nation. At 1PM Thursday afternoon, a moment of silence was held as it was the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor 82 years ago.

World War II Marine Corps Veteran Louis Bourgault says it’s an honor to see the wreaths and what they represent.

“It feels good to see the wreaths, to see the people in this country finally getting around to acknowledging the services of the people of the past. I’ve seen a lot of mistreatment of veterans and the memory of the things that happened, it’s good we’ve finally come around.”

Larger wreaths were also on display in the Battleships Memorial Room to honor more than 11,000 North Carolinian’s who were killed during World War II. Another wreath was displayed to honor 8,000 Sailors and Marines who served aboard the USS North Carolina from 1941-1947.

The wreaths will be up until January 7th, 2024.