A Wreath To Remember Their Lives
The Oskaloosa American Legion (file photo/Ginger Allsup)
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Honoring and remembering those who have served our country in the Armed Forces is part of the idea behind the National Wreaths Across America Day. The other is to teach others during the nationally coordinated event.
At 11:00 a.m. on December 17th, wreaths will be placed to remember veterans at more than 1,100 locations across the country.
On Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the War Memorial at Forest Cemetery, the American Legion Honor Guard will place a wreath at the memorial to remember each branch of the military.
Darrin Alderson, American Legion Post Commander in Oskaloosa, said they estimate that approximately 2,500 veterans are buried throughout the county.
Unlike Arlington National Cemetery, where every grave of a veteran receives a wreath, Mahaska County utilizes the War Memorial and a wreath for each branch of the service to represent everyone who has served.
“It’s about veteran awareness,” said Alderson. According to Alderson, the percentage of Americans who are veterans has decreased over time, even after 16 years of war.
“We are not here to decorate graves. We’re here to remember not their deaths, but their lives,” said Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America in a statement.
If you would like to know more, you can visit the Harry L. Anderson American Legion Facebook page by clicking HERE, or their event page HERE.
