As 2014 came to an end, many gathered at the Lower Lake Cemetery to participate in the annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony to honor veterans.
Wreaths Across America was started in Arlington Cemetery to Remember the Fallen, Honor those that serve, and Teach the value of Freedom to American youths. The Lake County 4-H Citizenship and Leadership Project (Lake County 4H C&L) has worked closely with community members for the last three years to lay wreaths at the Lower Lake Cemetery.
The council would like to thank all those who sponsored Lower Lake wreaths, including: Jen’s Little Bit of Everything, Clearlake Grocery Outlet, Gail Lombard, Judy Fletcher, Ledra Lance, The Wright Look, Kerrie’s Quilting, Sharon Vizena, Lisa Tinkler, Kim Harris, Cynthia Ott, Joe Madrid, Jan Peterson, Doreen Walstadt, Marie Sager, Melissa Pack, The Carpet Man, Mark Cann, B&G Tires, Nottingham Nursery, Chatoff Properties, Jenny Lynn, Lisa McDonald, Copy Cat, Four Corners Builder’s Supply, David Hughes, Lakeside Appliance, Cindy Pina, Rotary Club of Clearlake, Ed Zander, Russ Purdock, Dr. Mark Cooper, Pepe Mendoza, Hank Montgomery, Elaine Tracy, Gary and Bethany Rose, Peggy Browning, Mary Woodward, Anne Garner-Austin, Charlotte Schlink, Century 21 North Bay Alliance, Sally David, Carol Whittingslow, Mark & Nancy Conrad, Betty Painter, Shannon Ollenberger, Shari & Dennis Sawle, Dorrie Walker, Suzanne Freeman, Angela Laws, Suzanne Robinson, Boy Scouts of America Troop #44, Jonnette Moffet, Dan Bergmen, Carol Whittington, Rick & Vicki Iversen, Janet Button, Dr. Debra Sally, Carey Hayes, Rowland Mosser, Stephen Hayes, Clearlake Automotive, Southlake Rentals- Greg Evans, Jones and Lewis Funeral Home, Lisa Nowak, Carolynn Michaels, Kyle Forti, Meredith Wiser, and DJ’s Pizza.
The final wreath county for 2014 was 185, up from 150 for 2013 and 100 in 2012.
A special thank you goes out from the council to DJ’s Pizza for letting 4-H C&L host a pizza fundraiser last October. All proceeds were used to sponsor wreaths. In addition, the council wishes to thank Castle Donuts and Konocti American Legion Auxiliary for helping provide refreshments for after the ceremony. Bethany Rose for bringing Wreaths Across America to Lower Lake. Travis Air Force Base Honor Guard for presenting the colors. Penny and Dave for opening the House of Flags and helping set up the flags and refreshments. Dennis Alexander and the Konocti Legion 40-08 for allowing the use of the Locomotive to deliver ceremonial wreaths.
Alexander was particularly helpful, providing his truck and teaching children about veterans laid to rest in the Lower Lake Cemetery.
Chaplain TC Cara officiated the ceremony. Eric Pearson, cemetery manager, helped to facilitate the ceremony and wreath lying. Joanna Parker lent her beautiful voice to sing Amazing Grace and the National Anthem during the ceremony.
Final thanks from the council went out to the Lakeshore Fire Department for joining the ceremony, Middletown FFA members, Anderson Marsh 4-H, Lake County C&L 4H members and community members for placing wreaths.
