Wreaths Across America set to honor military veterans with a wreath-laying ceremony, Dec. 18 at Tonaquint Cemetery
ST. GEORGE— To honor those who have served our country and educate others on the meaning of our military members’ sacrifices, the Color Country Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will host the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. at Tonaquint Cemetery (1777 S. Dixie Drive) in St. George.
“It is always an honor and a privilege to attend and participate in this great event,” said Mayor Michele Randall. “We are a community that values and supports its military veterans, and this is a great opportunity to show appreciation for the sacrifices they have made.”
For the past 10 years, a Wreaths Across America ceremony has been held at Tonaquint Cemetery on the third Saturday of December, followed by wreath-laying assisted by scores of volunteers. These wreaths cover the graves of hundreds of military members whose final resting place lies in our cemeteries.
The goal is Wreaths Across America is threefold:
- Honor the fallen
- Remember those who have served
- Teach children the value of freedom
At the conclusion of the wreath-laying at Tonaquint Cemetery, St. George Police will escort volunteers to St. George Cemetery (650 East Tabernacle) to lay the balance of remembrance wreaths.
“In 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds came out to lay nearly 2,100 wreaths on the graves of veterans buried at both Tonaquint and St. George cemeteries,” said Valerie King, event organizer for the Color Country Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. “This is a community event in every sense, and we hope to see a lot of people out at Tonaquint Cemetery on Dec. 18.
Veterans representing each branch of military service covering a wide array of service eras — from World War II to the conflicts of the 21st century — will participate in the ceremonial wreath dedication, including World War II paratrooper Roland Hall.
I heard about this group the year my Dad was laid to rest in Arlington that was my first year 2015. I have been going down to Arlington all but 2020 I did a local wreath laying.