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Commander Al Messey laid wreaths for two confederate soldiers Saturday during the Wreaths Across America commemoration at Mount Peace Cemetery. PHOTO/CHRIS MILLER
Saturday was Wreaths Across America Day. Hundreds of attendees, along with veterans, and current members of the armed forces joined together in chilly weather to honor those who have served, or are currently serving at St. Cloud’s Mount Peace Cemetery.
They joined over two million volunteers at participating locations across the nation, several other countries and armed forces units at sea in placing 2.4 million wreaths Saturday at the graves of those who gave all for their country.
The local ceremony was led by Master of Ceremonies Mike Midgley, American Legion Post 80 Commander, with the Posting of Colors attended to by the Harmony High School ROTC.
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission is to “Remember, Honor and Teach.” It is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, and at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.
During the ceremony, wreaths were laid by: Rick and Karen Areola (United States Army), Glen Knapp (United States Navy), John and Sue Wilding (United States Marine Corps), Joe McGrath (United States Air Force), Mike Facella (United Stated Coast Guard), Scott Saucier (Merchant Marines), Charlotte Cunningham (Space Force), and Daryl Bass (POW/MIA).
From the Revolutionary War to the conflicts of this century, our nation’s veterans are devoted sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers. They have come from all backgrounds in life to place those lives on the line for our freedoms. There are millions of individual stories to tell.
In many homes, there is an empty seat for one who is serving or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. There is no better time to express our appreciation than during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
