Devotion and Honor through Wreaths Across America

Several dozen area residents attended the third annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony this past Saturday, December 14, at Fairmount Cemetery in Lamar. Area organizations taking part included: Lamar VFW Post #3621, Lamar American Legion Post #71, Lamar Cub Scout Pack 223, Boy Scout Pack 218 and Lamar Girl Scouts, Troop 4649 and 32544, as well as members of the Prowers Rural Fire Department.

The event was hosted by John Sykes of Peacock Funeral Home in Lamar. Wreaths were placed at the veteran’s memorial in honor of the various branches of military service: The US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Merchant Marines and Cost Guard. Those participating in the laying of the wreaths were: Gage Payne, Tucker Hobden, Trayer Dashner, Taylynn Englehardt, Kimber Robbins and Zach Rankin. Alfred Adame of the VFW Post also laid a wreath to represent the 93,129 U.S. servicemen and women from all branches of the services whose last known status was either prisoners of war or missing in action. The observance began as The Arlington Wreath project started by Morrill Worcester in 1992 with the donation and laying of 5000 Christmas wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. Since then, hundreds of other communities have joined in the annual event around the country.

By Russ Baldwin