Everyone is invited to attend on Saturday Dec. 13 as Lake County gathers together to honor veterans during the holiday season as part of the annual Wreaths Across America Day.
Youth Organizations and Veteran Organizations have volunteered to conduct the Wreaths Across America Ceremony this year at Hartley Cemetery, Kelseyville, Lower Lake, Upper Lake and St. Mary”s Cemeteries on Dec. 13 starting promptly at 9 a.m. Seven ceremonial wreaths will be placed to remember all soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who served, honor their sacrifices and teach our younger generations about the high cost of our freedoms.
Specially designated wreaths for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and POW/MIA will be placed on memorials during a ceremony that will be coordinated simultaneously at over 908 participating locations all across the country and overseas.
This year marks the eighth year that there has been a Wreath Laying Ceremony at Hartley Cemetery, the 4th year at Kelseyville Cemetery, the third Year at Lower Lake Cemetery and the second year at Upper Lake Cemetery and St. Mary”s Cemetery. In addition to these ceremonial wreaths, the Boy Scout Troop 42, the Boy Scout Troop 45, 4-H, and FFA Members have joined with Wreaths Across America to promote sponsored wreaths to be placed on veterans” graves. Toni Funderburg, Wreaths Across America Local Coordinator, thanks the community for all the support and wreath sponsorships. Because of this support over 1,200 wreaths are slated to be delivered soon. It is our future goal to initiate participation of other cemeteries in our county.
The Wreaths Across America”s mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach. Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve including their families who sacrifice and Teach our children the cost of the freedoms we enjoy each day. It is our shared belief that
”The nation which forgets its defenders will soon be forgotten.” Calvin Coolidge
WAA pursues its mission with nation-wide wreath-laying events amid the holiday season, and year-round educational outreach inviting all Americans to appreciate our freedoms and the cost at which they are delivered.
Take an hour amid the hustle and bustle of this holiday season to attend one of these very special ceremonies that will be performed by youth organizations including Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, FFA, CLHS Band and K-Corps. In addition, the Lake County Funeral Honors Team, Patriotic Guard Riders and Honor Guard from the Travis Air Force Base will be attending at one of the locations.
If you can”t make it don”t miss an opportunity to thank a veteran.
