McHenry American Legion Honors Veterans with Wreath Ceremony

The McHenry American Legion Post 491 is set to honor veterans with its annual wreath-laying ceremony on December 8, 2023. The event will take place at seven local cemeteries, commencing at 10:00 a.m. at the American Legion post located at 1331 N. Riverside Drive. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, and pastries before engaging in a briefing and receiving their group assignments.

A formal ceremony is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. between Woodland Cemetery and Saint Mary’s Cemetery, located at 1611 Richmond Road in McHenry. This ceremony will feature an honor guard, the playing of taps, the national anthem, and a riderless horse to pay tribute to POW/MIA veterans. Attendees will include McHenry Mayor Wayne Jett, over 50 employees from The Home Depot, representatives from Operation Wild Horse, local veterans, and community members.

Following the ceremony, volunteers will distribute 3,000 wreaths donated by The Home Depot, placing them on veterans’ graves at various cemeteries including Woodland, Saint Mary’s, St. John’s, St. Patrick’s Churchyard, St. Patrick’s Countryside, Holy Apostles, Ringwood, and Christ The King.

“This event is a powerful reminder that our veterans’ sacrifices are never forgotten. Each wreath represents gratitude, honor, and remembrance during this special time of year,” said Susan Yon Hanson, president of Post 491.

Post Commander Chad Miller expressed gratitude for The Home Depot’s support, stating, “This remarkable contribution ensures that our community can continue the meaningful tradition of placing wreaths on the graves of those who served our nation. We also sincerely thank the city of McHenry for their unwavering support of our three outstanding veterans organizations and the work we do for our veterans and their families.”

In addition to the American Legion, McHenry is home to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4600 and the Polish Legion of American Veterans. The American Legion invites all community members to attend, participate, or volunteer to lay wreaths. Extra wreaths, while supplies last, are available for other posts or organizations wishing to honor veterans at local cemeteries.

For those interested in volunteering or requesting wreaths, contact Yon Hanson at the McHenry American Legion at 815-344-8491 or via email at [email protected].

Additionally, the William Chandler Peterson American Legion Post 171 in Crystal Lake will host a wreath-laying ceremony on December 13, 2023. This event, in partnership with Wreaths Across America, Crystal Lake VFW Post 12014, the Marine Corps League, the Veterans Assistance Commission, and Veterans Path to Hope, will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Union Cemetery located at 150 West Woodstock St.. The public is invited to attend.