Saturday, Dec. 19, people across the country come together to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach younger generations the value of freedom for National Wreaths Across America (WAA) Day.
Greeley's Linn Grove Cemetery, 1700 Cedar Ave., will join sites across the country in celebrating Wreaths Across America Day. There are more than 1,800 veterans buried at Linn Grove.
WAA Ceremony
The remembrance ceremony to honor veterans begins at 10 a.m. on Dec. 19. The 10-minute program consists of a color guard, National Anthem, WAA Proclamation read by Mayor John Gates, presentation of ceremonial wreaths, and more.
In the past, chairs were set up around Soldier’s Field, an area of Linn Grove where many veterans are buried, for the ceremony. This year, because of COVID-19, no chairs will be set up and those attending will be asked not to congregate around that area, but place wreaths handed out at the entrance gates and return to their vehicles to watch the ceremony from there. Attendees must practice social distancing and stay 6-feet away from people not in their household. Wearing a mask to the event is highly encouraged.
Weld County is currently in the Red, severe risk level and outdoor events are capped at 75 attendees. This ceremony will be livestreamed on Facebook (facebook.com/WAALinnGrove) for folks to watch in their vehicles or at home.
Sponsor a Wreath
Consider sponsoring an evergreen wreath to honor a veteran or first responder for $15; your donation of a wreath for a veteran will be placed at the gravesite. You may also sponsor a wreath online. Send checks made payable to Wreaths Across America to P.O. Box 336173, Greeley, CO 80633. The deadline for sponsoring a 2020 evergreen wreath for a veteran buried at Linn Grove Cemetery is Monday, Nov. 30.
Volunteer
Help is needed on the day of the event to lay evergreen wreaths on our hometown heroes' headstones and recognize their service to our community and nation. There will be volunteers at each entrance to the cemetery handing out wreaths and instructions. These volunteers will greet each vehicle wearing face masks and gloves; then will direct each vehicle to drive to an area in the 66 acres of the cemetery to place the wreaths. We ask that no one congregates at Soldier’s Field for the ceremony, but remain in their vehicles until after the 10-minute ceremony. Contact local organizer Chris Ruth at waalinngrove@gmail.com or 970-302-2132 to volunteer.
More Information
Visit
tinyurl.com/waalinngrove to learn more regarding the program at Linn Grove. Contact
waalinngrove@gmail.com or 970-302-2132 for more information.