A volunteer places a wreath on a veteran's grave during the City of Crown Point's Wreaths Across America ceremony on Dec. 16, 2023, at the historic Maplewood and Maplewood memorial cemeteries. The 2024 wreath-laying ceremony will take place at noon Saturday, Dec. 14.
The Julia Watkins Brass Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the City of Crown Point will honor fallen heroes by placing wreaths on their graves at the Historic Maplewood and Maplewood Memorial cemeteries.
The Wreaths Across America Ceremony will begin at noon Saturday, Dec. 14. The theme of this year’s program is, “Live With Purpose.” Colors will be presented. Crown Point Mayor Pete Land will deliver brief remarks, and Rev. Mark Wilkins will lead the opening and closing prayers.
In February 2024, the City received a $3,500 grant from the Crown Point Community Foundation for the ceremony.
"Our support of Wreaths Across America in our hometown is a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to honoring our nation’s heroes. Through our funding of this event, we help ensure that the sacrifices of our local service members are never forgotten. This important program enriches our community by educating future generations about the importance of service and sacrifice, and we are proud to be a part of it," said Mary B. Nielsen, president of the Crown Point Community Foundation.
“This is the fifth year the City and DAR will partner to honor our fallen heroes for the holidays. The ceremony allows us to reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” Crown Point Mayor Pete Land said. “We’re grateful for our continued partnership with the DAR and the support from the Crown Point Community Foundation to honor fallen servicemen and women.”
Mission BBQ also sponsored this year’s wreath-laying ceremony, and donations were collected throughout the year.
When the brief introductory ceremony concludes, volunteers will place fresh wreaths on the gravesites of fallen veterans. This year’s volunteers include the United States Naval Sea Cadets, Polar Star Battalion; members of the DAR; staff from Mission BBQ; American Legion Posts 20, 81 and 485; Legion Auxiliary Districts 1 and 2; and Legion Auxiliary Units 16, 20, 81, 279 and 369.
Anyone is welcome to volunteer to place wreaths. Please dress according to the weather.
“Giving of oneself for veterans, church or community is the best way to honor those who came before and those who are currently serving or will serve in the future,” said Karen Aldrich, Wreaths Across America location co-coordinator for the DAR.
The City of Crown Point is one of more than 4,600 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad, participating in the 2024 Wreaths Across America program.
