By Gari Voss
The temperature was below nippy, but the crowd that gathered reached about 100. Some came in uniform, others had worn uniforms, and most had been associated with someone who had served. Wreaths Across America was observed for the first time at Oakwood Cemetery with the message: Remember the fallen; Honor those who serve; and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.
Hundreds around Allegan had donated money to sponsor wreaths. The goal was to have 1000 wreaths, so every veteran residing in Oakwood Cemetery would have a special marker in thanks to his or her participation in one of America’s Armed Forces. 900 wreaths were donated.
The ceremony began with hanging a wreath for each branch of the military plus a final one for POWs. Emcee Wally Coots reminded those gathered that, yes, it was cold, but those who fought battles for freedom often endured far worse.
The Oakwood Cemetery has soldiers who fought in the War of 1812 through Desert Storm. Program Coordinator Amanda Strickfaden did not wish for any to be forgotten and as volunteers spread out across the cemetery to lay wreathes, she stood and said the name of each soldier that lay at Oakwood. These joined the almost 2 million soldiers who were remembered in every state of the union and even some abroad.
Wreaths Across America is a non-profit committed to teaching all generations the value of freedom. Through their efforts, it is estimated that over 3.1 million wreaths were laid in 5,598 locations across all 50 states and internationally.
The balsam fir wreaths were made by the National Wreaths Across America Organization in Maine and adorned with a single handmade red bow plus a tag of remembrance. This is a way to remember all who have served. There are many who no longer have family members who can clear their grave or remember their service. The day brings communities together to not only remember all who have served but those who currently serve.
In Allegan, striving to not only find donations for 1000 wreaths, but volunteers to distribute the wreaths seemed a daunting task. In the end Oakwood Cemetery volunteers HONORED 900 military veterans in grand style on a frosty day with temperatures well below freezing. Brave men and women were REMEMBERED.
Wreaths Across America began in 1992 as a pilgrimage of Morrill and Karen Worchester from Maine to Arlington Cemetery in Washington D.C. The non-profit has grown in the last 30 years. This year on December 13th, at the Arlington National Cemetery, over 27,000 volunteers helped lay 265,000 wreaths on gravesites and niche columns.
Oakwood Cemetery in Allegan, MI addressed the challenge and braved the weather to REMEMBER, HONOR, and TEACH 900 of its own.
