Coming up on Saturday, Dec. 13, graves of our nation’s veterans will be marked with red ribboned fresh Balsam wreaths as part of the Wreaths Across America initiative. These memorial tributes will be carried out by volunteers at over 5000 cemeteries across the United States, starting with Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Locally, Oakdale Citizens Cemetery will be celebrating its fifth year of participation in this annual program. The patriotic ceremony will start promptly at 9 a.m., near the flagpole on the cemetery grounds at 701 E. J St., Oakdale, corner of South Fifth Avenue and East J.
The Wreaths program is made possible with the help of many in every community. Monetary sponsorships, this year at a cost of $17 per wreath, are made by individuals and organizations, and guarantee that veterans’ graves will be adorned with a wreath and their names called out.
Oakdale’s program will feature local Scouting America troops, Cubs and their Troop Leaders all assisting on Saturday.
“Members of all our branches of service, Gold Star and Blue Star families, local police and fire services will present memorial wreaths,” added Melinda Owen, secretary of the Oakdale Citizens Cemetery board, and co-coordinator of the Wreaths Across America program here.
Bagpiper George Harwell, bugler Kenny Kamerman, Pastor Henry Raven and vocalist Barbara Findlay all will participate as well.
“This year’s service at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery will begin with special recognition of the 18 remaining veterans of Oakdale Lions Club – an organization that has been fundamentally entwined with the cemetery for many years, offering financial and physical support,” Owen shared.
It was just a few weeks ago when Oakdale Lion, Army veteran Erwin Schali, passed away from injuries he sustained after falling at a Veterans Award event.
“At the end of the service, Lions Vets will honor their friend with the memorial wreath placed at his grave in the Lions Block at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery,” Owen said.
J.R. McCarty, Pacific Project Heroes, Inc. President, will present the Lions story before turning the program over to Wreaths co-coordinator Doug Creekpaum.
The community is invited to this special, free event and are welcome to help place the wreaths throughout the grounds. Rain or shine, the ceremony begins at 9 a.m.
Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly for the early morning event. There is limited seating available. If handicapped parking is needed, drive on to the cemetery grounds.
It’s never too late to sponsor a wreath, Owen pointed out. It can be done all year online or by mailing a check for $17.00 per wreath to Wreaths Across America, P.O. Box 600, Oakdale, CA 95361.
The cemetery receives $5.00 back from each wreath sponsored.
“The OCC Board thanks each and every one who supports this meaningful venture and assists in making it happen,” said Owen.
