Wreaths Across America set in Converse County communities Dec. 13

Hometown veterans, military families, friends, community members and youth groups pull together every December to show love and appreciation for those who sacrificed for our country. Both Glenrock and Douglas, along with their respective American Legions, will join thousands nationwide Dec. 13 in the annual Wreaths Across America program.

In keeping with a national tradition, Douglas Park Cemetery and Glenrock Cemetery each will have pre-event speeches, salutes, song and remembrance.

Those will be proceeded by volunteers of all ages laying wreaths at graves of our fallen heroes, which last year combined for more than 1,000 placements.

Wreaths Across America’s mission is “Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom." It’s a year-long effort that allows families and friends to purchase/sponsor every wreath placed during the holidays. This year, 700 more cemeteries have joined, beginning the total to more than 4,000 across the country.

Each year, the program has a theme and this year it is “Keep Moving Forward.” It’s simple and to the point, a motto for individual and veterans alike who remain strong after the loss of a hero though remembrance, action and support.

“There will always be challenges to overcome as individuals, communities and a country, but we must keep moving forward together. This year, we will share . . . stories of many others who continue to live with purpose every day and have chosen to keep moving forward,” Wreaths Across America Executive Director Karen Worcester said.

Glenrock

Local veterans and the community will gather beneath the flag pole at 10 a.m. where seating will be provided. There will be guest speakers along with assistance from the Glenrock High School FFA and Sandcreek 4-H.

Immediately following the ceremony, veterans and volunteers from the community will distribute the hundreds of wreaths at the resting places of our heroes.

The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary are the sponsors which will include (in order):

•Presentation of colors

•Opening prayer by Bill White

•Moment of silence: Melody Dugan

•Pledge of allegiance by Sand Creek 4-H

•Guest speaker: Mike Colling

•Color guard: Glenrock High School FFA students

•Wreath laying: Scott Howe

•National Anthem by Wendy Prather

•Closing remarks from Mike Colling

•Honor guard: Legion Post 9 with 21 gun salute

•Taps: Scott Howe, Retiring the Colors

•Placing of the wreaths

Douglas

Locally sponsored by Clelland Commandery #12, Knights Templar, the ceremony will begin promptly - regardless of weather - at 10 a.m. around the flag pole. Local youth will raise the flag, followed by singing, speeches, firing of the cannon and a special wreath laying in honor of every military veteran.

Following the ceremony, hundreds of wreaths will be placed throughout the cemetery by families, youth, veterans and volunteers from the community.