Organizers estimate more than 200 people attended the Northwoods Wreaths Across America event Dec. 16. Dave Melancon photo.
By Eileen Persike MMC STAFF
HARSHAW – Wreaths Across America honored more than three million veterans Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at over 4,225 locations around the country. Included was the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw, where volunteers and family members participated in a wreath-laying ceremony. Master of Ceremonies for the Northwoods program was Sgt. 1st Class Craig Lau – Ret. Army. Representatives of all branches of the military and POW/MIA were on hand for the ceremony. Keynote speaker Lt. Col. Bryon Gleisner’s (Ret.-Air Force) address followed the 2023 WAA theme, “Serve and Succeed.” The organization’s mission is to “Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.” Wreaths are used, according to wreathsacrossamerica.org, to symbolize honor and a living tribute renewed annually.
“Wreaths Across America believes the tradition represents a living memorial that honors veterans, active-duty military, and their families” the organization states. “When volunteers say the name of a veteran aloud while placing a wreath, it ensures they live on in our hearts and memories and are always remembered.” The Northwoods event was sponsored by the American Legion Riders, District 11, and Veterans Ceremony-U.G.C., Inc. Northwoods National Cemetery is the fourth Rural Initiative cemetery to be built by the VA’s National Cemetery Administration. The VA purchased the land in September 2015 and awarded a contract to build the cemetery in August 2017. The cemetery was dedicated in August 2020 and serves veterans within 75 miles of Rhinelander.
District 11 American Legion Riders presented the colors during the ceremony held Dec. 16 at the Northwoods National Ceremony. Dave Melancon photo.
National Wreaths Across America took place locally at the Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw Dec. 16, 2023. The ceremony was held to "remember the lives of the veterans" interred there. Dave Melancon photo.
Bugler Ginny Buzzell plays during the Wreaths Across America event held at the Northwoods National Cemetery Saturday, Dec. 16. Dave Melancon photo.
The Northwoods Honor Guard fires a three-round volley at the Northwoods National Cemetery Dec. 16 during the Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony. Dave Melancon photo.
Of the 195 wreaths requested by the organizers. most were placed on veteran's graves at Northwoods and at cemeteries in Harshaw and Merrill. Dave Melancon photo.
Singing "God Bless America" during the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Northwoods National Cemetery Dec. 16 are from left, Rev. Charles Sheffler; Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bryon Gleisner, Cemetery manager, keynote speaker; Ret U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class and Master of Ceremonies Craig Lau; and Ret. Army Sgt 1st Class Bob Smith who was also the event organizer. Dave Melancon photo.
Organizers estimate more than 200 people attended the Northwoods Wreaths Across America event Dec. 16. Dave Melancon photo.
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