Local Tappers Place Wreaths on Veterans Graves, Foster Community Care

On the morning of Friday, December 5, members of the Nevada Silver Tappers and their sister organization Ms. Senior Golden Years spread out across Chief Tecopa Cemetery in Pahrump to place wreaths on the graves of local veterans. Volunteers spent the morning cleaning several years worth of wreaths that had been faded by sunlight and dust, affixing new bright red bows and laying them on more than 300 veteran graves that represent all branches of the U.S. armed forces.

The wreath project began in 2020 after the filming of an episode of Mike Rowe's Returning the Favor. Part of a twenty five thousand dollar check presented during that episode was used to purchase 250 wreaths to launch the initiative. This year the Daughters of the American Revolution Pahrump Springs Chapter assisted by helping pay for new bows and supporting the placement effort. Some of the veterans buried at Chief Tecopa were born as early as 1928, underscoring the intergenerational reach of the program.

For Nye County residents the annual wreath placement is more than a seasonal gesture. It provides visible recognition for veterans whose families may live outside the area or who lack the resources to maintain gravesites. The volunteers are a tap dancing troupe of women ages fifty and older who raise funds through performances and community work, and placing wreaths is one of their regular ways to honor service and show appreciation to families left behind.

The event also points to larger public health and policy questions about support for veterans and cemetery maintenance in rural counties. Volunteer groups fill a gap when municipal budgets and veteran services are stretched thin, and that reliance can mask long term needs for dedicated funding for upkeep, outreach, and mental health supports for aging veterans and their kin. Community based efforts like this can reduce social isolation, strengthen local networks, and provide culturally meaningful recognition, but they are not a substitute for sustained public investment.

Those seeking more information may contact Robin Hebrock at rhebrock@pvtimes.com.