A number of local volunteers and residents paused Saturday, Dec. 14, in the midst of the busy Christmas season to offer a special remembrance and tribute for veterans at three area cemeteries for National Wreaths Across America Day.
A state official who also happens to be a decorated veteran made a special visit to one of the cemeteries — Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose. He was a featured speaker at the ceremony at St. Patrick Church’s Calvary Cemetery, located at 1793 County Road 18, Bellefontaine, joining in the commemoration alongside 4,800 cemeteries participating across the U.S.
LaRose, a veteran of the U.S. Army, served with the U.S. 101st Airborne and as a member of the Special Forces Green Berets.
In addition to his many commendations, he was awarded the Bronze Star, one of our nation’s highest honors. He is to this day a member of the U.S. Army Reserve.
LaRose spoke passionately about the dedication and sacrifice our veterans make to defend and support our country.
Volunteers then laid wreaths on veteran graves. These special ceremonies and wreath laying also took place at Bellefontaine City Cemetery and Fairview Cemetery on State Route 273 near Belle Center.
Wreaths Across America is a program to recognize not only our deceased veterans, but those still with us today. This year, more than three million wreaths placed on veteran graves nationwide.
The program was founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery initiated by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992.
The organization’s mission — Remember, Honor, Teach — is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.
If you would like to volunteer to support this project or donate toward purchasing a wreath (all wreaths are purchased through donations) contact Wreaths Across America, c/o VFW Post 1080, Bellefontaine. Wreaths sponsorships are $17 each.