KINGMAN – Mountain View Cemetery was the site of a moving ceremony this past Saturday as Kingman joined communities across the nation in participating in Wreaths Across America. The annual tribute, now in its 33rd year, honors military veterans by placing evergreen wreaths at their graves.
Although the tradition has been observed at more than 5,600 cemeteries nationwide, this was the first time Kingman hosted the event. Local coordinator Kurt Meins, who retired last year after a career as an over-the-road truck driver, said he was inspired to bring the program to Kingman after attending ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery.
A portion of the 2,038 wreaths placed on veterans’ graves in Kingman during the inaugural Wreaths Across America ceremony. The local tribute joined more than 5,600 similar events held nationwide last Saturday. Photo by Allen Scott
“I attended this event at Arlington four times,” Meins explained. “When I retired, I decided to bring it here because it had never been done. It happens the same day across the country every year.”
Volunteers began early Saturday morning, transporting and distributing wreaths throughout Mountain View Cemetery. Over several months, organizers identified nearly 1,250 veteran graves to ensure each resting place received a wreath. Young Marines, Girl Scouts, and community volunteers handed out wreaths to attendees, who placed them in quiet moments of remembrance.
Meins noted that word of mouth helped the effort grow after a slow start.
Kingman Mayor Ken Watkins (left) and Police Chief Rusty Cooper (right) bow in tribute at a veteran’s gravesite after placing wreaths at Mountain View Cemetery. The ceremony marked Kingman’s first participation in Wreaths Across America, joining more than 5,600 sites nationwide last Saturday. Photo by Allen Scott
“The more people who found out about it, the more support we received. And the crowd today is amazing. I didn’t expect this kind of turnout because so few had ever heard of it.”
The ceremony opened with a color guard dressed in vintage Marine uniforms. Kingman Mayor Ken Watkins praised the turnout and the organizational work behind the event. Police Chief Rusty Cooper added his tribute to veterans’ families, while Fire Communications Chief Oscar Lopez reminded the crowd of the 11 volunteer firefighters buried at Mountain View who lost their lives in the 1973 train tanker explosion.
Among those firefighters was Captain Bill Casson, a military veteran. His son Bob attended Saturday’s ceremony, recalling the tragedy.
Kingman Wreaths Across America Coordinator Kurt Meins guides a volunteer during wreath distribution at Mountain View Cemetery. The inaugural local event drew more than 200 participants last Saturday to honor fallen military veterans. Photo by Allen Scott
“On July 5, 1973, we had a tragic explosion here that killed 11 of our volunteer firefighters,” he said.
Casson’s widow, Patricia, was later laid to rest beside her husband after raising their six children. Bob emphasized the importance of remembrance.
“I think this is an exceptionally special event. We need to remember the people who have served our country and protected us throughout our lives.”
Despite doubts from some who questioned whether the effort would be worthwhile, more than 200 people attended the ceremony, including city dignitaries and chiefs from local first responder agencies. Together, they honored the veterans and community heroes laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery.
