Wreaths Across America will once again recognize fallen veterans this December, with several participating cemeteries in Logan and Champaign counties.
Linda Fullerton recently spoke to the Urbana Lions Club about the organization and its mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom.
Wreaths Across America began in 1992 when a businessman donated leftover wreaths from his business to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery in honor of fallen veterans. What started as a simple gesture grew into an annual tradition and eventually became a nationwide nonprofit organization.
Each December, volunteers across the country gather at participating cemeteries to place wreaths on the graves of veterans. Local coordinators work with cemetery officials and community organizations to organize the annual ceremonies and wreath placements.
This year’s wreath-laying event is scheduled for Saturday, December 19.
Participating locations in Logan County include:
- Calvary Cemetery in Bellefontaine
- Bellefontaine City Cemetery
- Rushcreek Veterans Cemetery in Rushsylvania
- Fairview Cemetery in Belle Center
- Greenwood Cemetery in De Graff
Participating locations in Champaign County include:
- Grandview Cemetery in Urbana
- Oak Dale Cemetery in Urbana
- Evergreen Cemetery in Saint Paris
Wreaths Across America serves as an annual reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the United States Armed Forces and the importance of remembering those who served.
As the organization’s message states, “We don’t know them all, but we owe them all.”
