Wreath-laying ceremony honors fallen veterans

HARSHAW – There's no shortage of holiday events in the Northwoods, but one held on Saturday, Dec. 14, was perhaps among the most meaningful.

As part of National Wreaths Across America Day, community members gathered at Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw to place Christmas wreaths on the graves of veterans. Organizers said the event remembers the fallen, honors those who serve and teaches the next generation the value of freedom.

“[It’s about] paying tribute to the sacrifice and service of our veterans coming together to express our gratitude and respect,” said Mary Ingman, who, along with Bob Smith, coordinated the local event.

Ingman said this is the fifth year of holding Wreaths Across America ceremonies at Northwoods National Cemetery, and this year, they were one of 4,909 participating locations in the United States.

The ceremony, led by Commander Casey Crump, Ret. — U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, began at 11 a.m.

It included a presentation of colors by the event sponsors, the American Legion Riders Association and the Wisconsin District 11 Veterans Ceremony-U.G.C., Inc.; an invocation by Reverend Charles Sheffler; the Pledge of Allegiance by the American Legion baseball team, the Rhinelander Post 7 Rebels; and the national anthem by Jake Kriesel.

Wreath laying began at 11:30 a.m., with wreaths sponsored by community members and businesses. Wreaths Across America describes sponsoring a veteran’s wreath as “a personal gift of gratitude and remembrance for someone who served this country so that we can be free.”

When placing the wreaths, participants were encouraged to say the veteran’s name “to ensure that the legacy of duty, service, and sacrifice is never forgotten.”

Sheffler also spoke on this year’s theme, “live with purpose,” the Northwoods Honor Guard fired a three-round volley, and Ginny Buzzell performed “Taps.”

The event concluded with a complimentary luncheon and dessert social at Rondele Ranch.

“As we have continued to grow every year, we could not put on this event without the support of our volunteers, wreath sponsors, and the numerous media outlets,” said Ingman. “As well as the businesses, organizations, and individuals who sponsor the event and luncheon following the ceremony.”

According to Ingman, the National Wreaths Across America in Maine reported that participants placed three million wreaths in 2024.

Next year's National Wreaths Across America Day will be Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.

There is a wreath match until Jan. 17. For each sponsored wreath, Northwoods National Cemetery will receive a free wreath. Matches will only be honored through online orders or by mail.

To sponsor a wreath, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/WINWNC. For more information, call 715-612-2196.