December 16 was Wreaths Across America Day and twelve local residents gathered at the Lusk Cemetery to place wreaths in honor of our Veterans. Wreaths Across America is a national organization which provides wreaths for placing on our Veterans graves at Christmastime. Coordinated across the nation, the ceremonies are timed to correspond with the main event held at Arlington National Cemetery at noon (EST). 

Through generous donations, over 100 wreaths were purchased for our local Veterans. Sadly, there were not enough to cover each grave, so wreaths were placed around the parameter of each section so as to honor all Veterans resting in each section, with the remaining wreaths attached to the split-rail fence and at the entrance to the cemetery. There was also a large wreath display placed at the monument at the north end of the cemetery, honoring the various branches of the military. Those placing wreaths were Mike Smith, James Santistevan, Shawn Leimser, Traci Bruegger, Sandy Smith, Barb Crofutt, Dave Crofutt, Gayle Johnson, Joe Wiggins Jr., Shatto Smith, Tatum Stallman and Talan Stallman.

It is the hopes that next year will see a wreath for every Veteran’s grave marker. The wreaths cost $15 a piece, and donations have already begun to come in for next year’s event. If you would like to donate for Wreaths Across America 2018, contact Mike Smith at 307-340-0213. You can also drop off your donation at Outpost or at The Lusk Herald. It has been said that a person dies twice: once when they take their final breath, and the second is the last time their name is spoken. With this in mind, every wreath that is laid is done so with the person’s name being said, and a thank you for their service so they shall always be remembered.

For more information visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org