Wreaths Across America seeks support in Smithville

Wreaths Across America seeks support in Smithville
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The purpose of Wreaths Across America is to decorate the graves of veterans and also to remember, honor and teach the public about those whom served in all wars in which the country has been involved.

                        

It has been 100 years since World War I ended. Some soldiers chose to fight prior to the time the United States became involved on April 6, 1917. U.S. forces of over 2 million would only see one Christmas in Europe, although there were many drawings depicting soldiers at Christmas on the battlefields.

Seventy-four years later the Worchester Wreath Company would donate leftover wreaths to be placed in a section of Arlington Cemetery in a less visited section of the cemetery.

It was not until 2005 this project regained momentum and was extended to all of the national cemeteries and some private cemeteries across the country.

Three of these cemeteries are in the village of Smithville with burials of individuals from the Revolutionary War through World War II.

Though these cemeteries are technically abandoned by their churches, the village maintains them.

The Smithville Community Historical Society sought funding and history markers, which are placed at each of the cemeteries to tell of the veterans resting in them.

The purpose of Wreaths Across America is to decorate the graves of veterans and also to remember, honor and teach the public about those whom served in all wars in which the country has been involved.

Through donations 14 graves are adorned with wreaths purchased through Wreaths Across America.

These wreaths may be ordered before Nov. 21 by visiting the Village of Smithville's website at www.thevillageofsmithville.org or at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

On Dec. 15 at 3 p.m., they will hold a dedication service at the Smithville Veterans Memorial. With the assistance of the Smithville High School FFA, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, they will place the wreaths at the veterans' graves. If there is a weather issue, the service will be held in the Heritage Center, 381 E. Main St., Mishler Mill site.

Prior to this service the national cemetery at Rittman will hold its wreath service at noon, which is open to the public.

For more information call Dana Keirstead at 330-669-2514.


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