WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA AT THE KANSAS VETERANS' CEMETERY AT FORT DODGE
The Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Dodge held it's 4th Annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday, December 12th. Despite the cold temperatures, about 50 people attended the service, honoring veterans past and present. Wreaths Across America donated seven wreaths which were placed, near the flag poles, by active and retired military serviceman from each military branch; Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW/MIAs, during the service. The service was conducted by Commander Donald Nevin, Garden City American Legion Post 9l. Mary Sallee and Brad Murray beautifully played Echo Taps during the ceremony. Garden City American Legion Post 9 served as the Color Guard.
Once again this year, generous donations were received by family members and the community for the purchase of wreaths for all those interred within the cemetery. Following the ceremony, family members were invited to place a wreath on their loved ones grave. If family members were unable to attend, the American Legion riders placed the wreaths on those graves. It was a beautiful site as family members and AL Riders collected the wreaths and placed them on each gravesite. Each wreath was placed with honor and remembrance. We were blessed to receive over 600 extra wreaths this year, which were placed on veteran's graves in the Old Kansas Soldier's Home Cemetery.
We would like to thank everyone for your generous donations, the American Legion Riders, Donald Nevin, Mary Sallee, Brad Murray, American Legion Post 9 and also to the serviceman and women who participated in this year's ceremony; AN1C George Kelly, HN2 Juliet Lallement, SSGT Retired Scott Dorsey, MSGT Retired David Anderson and Kenyon Fryman (CAP). We would also like to encourage the community to take a few moments to drive through the cemetery to look at the beautiful wreaths and remember the sacrifices of the men and women who serve in our military. The wreaths will remain on the gravesites through the month of January.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA AT THE KANSAS VETERANS' CEMETERY AT FORT RILEY
Snow and freezing rain did not stop friends and family members from attending the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Riley's first annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday, December 12th. Despite freezing temperatures and slick roads, this special ceremony was well attended to support its nationwide effort - to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom.
The ceremony included a moment of silence, the laying of seven ceremonial wreaths from members of each branch of service, a 3-volley salute and Taps performed by the Kansas Army National Guard Honor Guard, and the laying of graveside wreaths by friends, family members, and volunteers. It was a time of support and recognition to those who serve and have served our country. One family member in particular said, "I wouldn't miss it for anything."
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA AT THE KANSAS VETERANS' CEMETERY AT WAKEENEY
The Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at WaKeeney's 4th Annual Wreaths Across America ceremony was held on Saturday, December 12th. Despite the cold temperatures, about 75 people attended the service, honoring veterans past and present. Wreaths Across America donated seven wreaths which were placed, near the flag poles, by active and retired military serviceman from each military branch; Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW/MIAs, during the service. The service was conducted by Errol Wuertz, Howard Williams Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. Fr. Donald Pfannenstiel, Christ the King Church, served as the chaplain. Mick Bollig played and sang Taps during the ceremony.
Once again this year, generous donations were received by family members and the community for the purchase of wreaths for all those interred within the cemetery. Following the ceremony, family members were invited to place a wreath on their loved ones grave. If family members were unable to attend, the American Legion riders placed the wreaths on those graves. As family members and AL Riders collected the wreaths from a trailer and placed them on the graves, the recent snow added a beautiful backdrop for the dark green wreaths with bright red bows. Each wreath was placed with honor and remembrance.
We would like to thank everyone for your generous donations, the American Legion Riders, Errol Wuertz, Fr. Donald Pfannenstiel and also to the serviceman who participated in this year's ceremony; Sgt. Mark Ward, Colonel Retired Gary Blair, Master Chief Retired Jerry White, Major Retired Ted Hanchett, Fireman Nicholas Schraeder and Chief Warrant Officer Retired Weeden Nichols. We would also like to encourage the community to take a few moments to drive through the cemetery to look at the beautiful wreaths and remember the sacrifices of the men and women who serve in our military. The wreaths will be remain on the gravesites through the month of January.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA AT THE KANSAS VETERANS' CEMETERY AT WINFIELD
Wreaths Across America at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Winfield was conducted by the Civil Air Patrol Emerald City Composite Squadron at 11:00 AM Saturday December 12, 2009 with approximately 200 attending the event. Conducting the services was Chaplin Major Randolph Colby, CAP.
During the ceremony, seven (7) Ceremonial wreaths were presented to honor those who served or are serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, and POW/MIA. The cemetery was honored to have former POW Lt. Col Bill Schwertfeger, USAF Retired, present the POW/MIA wreath.
Following the ceremony, family members, members of the Civil Air Patrol, The American Legion Riders from Winfield and Mulvane American Legion Posts, The American Gold Star Mothers Wichita Chapter, and Winfield Boy Scout Troop #318 placed wreaths on each of the individual burial sites at the cemetery.
Wreaths for the burial sites were provided through donations from family members, businesses, and individuals, the American Gold Star Mothers Wichita Chapter, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 10 and Ladies Auxiliary VFW Dept. of Kansas.
Past Events Photos
Wakeeney Wreaths Across America.
Winfield Wreaths Across America.
Wakeeney Wreaths Across America.
Winfield Wreaths Across America.