Dear Editor,

Thank you for the opportunity to share a BIG thank you to all those who made Wreaths Across America happen at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery on December 18, 2021.

Thank you also for The Leader’s pre- and post-coverage of the event.

The combined efforts of the leaders and members of Cub Pack and Boy Scout Troop #365, Pacific Project Heroes, Inc., and the many patriotic citizens of our area helped us garner enough wreath sponsorships to honor over 800 veterans’ graves with a wreath placement. Special thanks go to those who stepped forward to present a wreath honoring the different service branches and Gold Star Families and Wives.

Many people contributed money, services and their time to make this touching service happen.

We send extra thanks to our program facilitator, Doug Creekpaum; also Hummer Trucking, Oakdale High School Basketball coaches and players, Oakdale Lions Club members and the ‘Leos’, Pastor Henry Raven, VFW Post #2922 Commander Dan Vigil, Barbara Findlay, Richard Melo, Rodin Farms, Lana Casey, Lori and Bob Lutz, Starbucks of downtown Oakdale, Mercedes Wallace of Ambeck Mortgage; Oakdale student Riley Esteves and Congressman Josh Harder who placed a wreath on a Civil War vets grave. And, many of you placed wreaths throughout the cemetery grounds.

We were also assisted with pre-event services from Robert Shatswell, Rivera and Son Earthmoving and Grading, and Gilton Solid Waste. Thank you to all!

As a registered Wreaths group, Oakdale Citizens Cemetery is already accepting sponsorships for next year’s event which will be December 17, 2022. If you desire to participate, any check to Wreaths Across America, dated by January 14, and mailed to P.O. Box 600, Oakdale, CA 95361 will be matched one for one by the Wreaths Foundation. Wreaths are $15.00 each. Please include name, address, phone and email. This is short notice, but please help us kick-off our fundraising sponsorships for next year.

Sincerely,

The Board of Trustees

Oakdale Citizens Cemetery

Melinda Owen, Board Secretary