One of our favorite events of the year is the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Fayetteville, Arkansas, National Cemetery. Wreaths are laid at every gravesite there; nearly 8,000. For the past five years, the Noise Blankers have provided radio communications for the shuttle bus service that runs from the cemetery to the parking area approximately one mile away. K5KVN’s Kenwood provides cross-band repeater capability and this year we transmitted on 2m and received on 70cm.
First up, it was time for a radio check:
We had Jeff K3DEI at the parking area to let us know when shuttle buses departed; Nathan K5KAC at the back entrance to the cemetery to park the tractor-trailers and motorcycles; Gary WBØRUR at the main gate to assist with disabled and VIP parking; and Kevin K5KVN and Steve K5OY on the road near the main entrance to re-direct vehicles to the parking area.
The weather was interesting. We started the morning at 54 degrees and ended with fog and drizzle at 38 degrees.
Enjoy the pics:
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- The convoy carrying the wreaths arrives.
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- Tyson Foods truck with wreaths.
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- Tyson Foods truck with wreaths.
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- Walmart truck with wreaths.
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- Arkansas Highway Patrol escort and the honor guard escort motorcycles.
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- The ceremony begins.
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- Steve K5OY
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- Gary WB0RUR
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- Kevin K5KVN shows off our AWESOME vests.
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- Kevin K5KVN
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- Mission Accomplished.
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- L to R: K5KVN, K5OY, K5KAC, WB0RUR
