Veterans, families, public invited

For the Tomahawk Leader

HARSHAW – Northwoods National Cemetery, 4520 Lakewood Rd., Harshaw, will host a wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 18, joining more than 2,700 other locations across the country for National Wreaths Across America Day.

Northwoods National Cemetery is an official Wreaths Across America (WAA) location.

“Coordinated and led by local volunteers, fundraising groups have raised funds throughout the year to sponsor the placement of wreaths on the headstones of our fallen service members laid to rest there,” a release from WAA stated. “The annual event seeks to further the WAA mission of Remember, Honor, Teach, ensuring that the memory of those who served our country endures.”

The ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. with grave-specific wreath placements by family and friends. Remaining wreath placements will follow.

At 11 a.m., a program including the Ceremonial (Branch of Service & POW/MIA) wreath laying will take place.

Masking and social distancing will be required for those not fully vaccinated. Due to limited parking, carpooling is recommended.

The ceremony is sponsored by American Legion Riders, District 11; Veterans Ceremony – U.G.C., Inc.; veterans, active service members, families, community members and organizations.

For further information on group sponsorship, sponsoring a wreath, or to volunteer to place a wreath, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/WINWNC.

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun 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.