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BROOKHAVEN — In a solemn ceremony at the Walmart Distribution Center, Terrance Turner thanked, honored and remembered the men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our nation’s freedom. He leads Brookhaven’s annual Wreaths Across America event as trucks filled with wreaths depart for Opelousas, Louisiana. 

Drivers from Walmart’s DC in Cullman, Alabama delivered trailers filled with wreaths to Brookhaven’s DC. They are a part of 118 drivers taking part in Walmart’s efforts to deliver wreaths to national cemeteries across the country. 

Drivers Dexter Cook and Mervin Bell left Brookhaven’s DC and were escorted by the Mississippi Highway Patrol and Patriot Riders down to the Louisiana State Line. Turner said Louisiana State Police would then escort the two trucks to Opelousas. 

Cook is an Army Veteran who served for 21 years and saw two tours of duty. He has been with Walmart for six years and has 500,000 safe miles. Bell is an Army National Guard veteran and served for eight years. He has driven with Walmart for nine years and has 1 million safe miles. 

Both men are part of a relay of wreaths headed to Houston National Cemetery. 

“We thank those who have given their lives to keep us free. We shall remember the fallen,” Turner said. “Many of you here answered the call and served your country well. We are here to say thank you and we are honored to know you.”

He pointed out the longest span of peace in America’s history was the 23 years from the end of World War I to the start of World War II. Since the American Revolutionary War, 50 million men and women have served in the United States military, Turner said. Of those, around 800,000 died in combat. 

Turner was choked up with tears as he asked why men and women would be willing to serve if it meant some would have to die. 

“We fight because we believe. We wake up believing, not that war is good but that sometimes it is necessary,” Turner said. “Our soldiers fight and die not for the glory of war but for the prize of freedom.”

There were a few wreaths set aside for local memorials. One will go to the Lincoln County Veterans Memorial outside of the courthouse. Brookhaven mayor Joe Cox received the wreath which will honor fallen officers James White and Zach Moak. 

One wreath was given to the Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop M based in Brookhaven. Since the MHP’s inception, 28 state troopers have died in the line of duty. One wreath was given to a local veteran and member of the Patriot Riders. 

Another wreath was given to a boy scout to be placed on a memorial for Danny Entrican in downtown Brookhaven. Entrican went missing 62 years ago while serving in the Vietnam War. He was wounded during a firefight and stayed behind to continue the fight and went missing. It is unknown what became of his fate. 

The last wreath was kept for Brookhaven’s Distribution Center. Turner said the wreath will honor Greg Barrow, who was a father, brother, husband, friend and fellow driver. He worked for Walmart for 23 years and his call sign was Armadillo. Barrow died in Nov. 2024.

An additional wreath laying ceremony will be held by Socks for Heroes in Wesson. 

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