Wreaths Across America and dozens of volunteers visited three Logan County cemeteries Saturday to honor fallen veterans in what has become a yearly event. Approximately 40 volunteers braved the frigid temperatures at the Bellefontaine City Cemetary on East Brown Avenue to honor the nearly 1,300 veterans interred there.
Bellefontaine Mayor David Crissman welcomed the group and thanked them for their dedication to remembering the veterans buried there. Bellefontaine Location Coordinator Adam Brannon addressed the crowd and reminded them that we truly are among heroes when we visit local cemeteries. Brannon talks about the yearly service:
Among the volunteers were several members of the Bellefontaine High School football team.
In addition to those being honored in Bellefontaine, Brannon said that volunteers were placing 125 wreaths at Calvary Cemetery on County Road 18 and over 500 vets in the Fairview Cemetery on State Route 273 near Belle Center. According to Brannon, the Bellefontaine Cemetery is home to one Revolutionary War veteran and at least one Medal of Honor recipient.
From the Wreaths Across America website: “Wreaths Across America is a 501(c) 3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, which was begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s yearlong mission – Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, Teach the next generation the value of freedom – is carried out, in part, each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at thousands of participating locations in all 50 states and beyond.”
The wreaths are handmade and are made of balsam fir grown in the Downeast region of Maine. Each volunteer is coached about the proper method of placing each wreath. Participants are encouraged to pause at each tombstone and say the veteran’s name in honor of their service. Military members are encouraged to render a hand salute after placing each wreath.
Local organizations and individuals can also sponsor a wreath for the 2025 ceremony in Logan County for $17. Brannon discusses the importance of wreath sponsorship:
To place a local sponsorship, click here.
To learn more about Wreaths Across America, visit the official website.
