Second year for Wreaths Across America at Graceland Cemetery ...

On December 16 of this past year (2017), the Vets to DC Organization sponsored the Second placing of wreaths at the Graceland Cemetery in Sidney as part of the nation wide Wreaths Across America program.  Our first effort at this in 2016 saw us put out 166 wreaths.  This time, we did a much better job and ended up with 413 wreaths being placed.  The day was very nice -- no ice storm such as we had in 2016.  This day came with temperatures in the upper 50s and lots of sunshine. 

With the warmer weather came lots more volunteers to put the wreaths out.  The Color Guards from the VFW Post 4239, AMVETS Post 1986 and the American Legion Post 217 all presented their colors.  Also present was the Firing Squad from Post 217 under the command of Mr. Weldon Oakley. 

The ceremonial wreaths (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and the POW-MIA) were all posted at the main flagpole by service Veterans, uniformed military service members and Scouts from Troop 97.  There were quite a few citizens from the Sidney/Shelby County area present to help with the placements too.  This turned out to be a great tribute to the Veterans of our county.  Just a small way in which we can pay them back some for the sacrifices they made for us.

Below are just some of the pictures from that day.

The Vets to DC is planning to participate again in 2018 in this project.  Anyone who wishes to assist in the activities by placing a wreath or sponsoring one or several wreaths can visit the web site for this at Wreaths Across America and go to the Graceland Cemetery, Sidney, OH site to donate or sign up to assist.

We are bound to them even though we cannot look into their eyes or hear their voices.  

We honor their history; we cherish their lives.  

We will tell their story.  

We will remember them.   

Hooah