Crystal Lake Honors Veterans with Wreath Ceremony on Dec. 13

The Crystal Lake community will honor its veterans on December 13, 2023, by placing wreaths on their graves as part of the annual Wreaths Across America initiative. This observance, organized by the William Chandler Peterson American Legion Post 171 in collaboration with several local organizations, aims to remember and teach the significance of veterans’ sacrifices.

The ceremony will take place at Union Cemetery, located at 150 West Woodstock Street, starting at 11:00 a.m. Post Commander Charlie Morgan will welcome attendees, including families and community members. Haig Haleblian, the Mayor of Crystal Lake, is scheduled to address the audience briefly. The event will feature a recognition of Gold Star families, followed by the ringing of a bell and the reading of names of veterans who lost their lives in conflict. This moment serves to acknowledge their service and sacrifice.

The involvement of local youth is a vital part of the event, with Boy Scout Troop #165 assisting in placing the wreaths on the graves of the honored veterans.

Wreaths Across America has its roots in a personal experience that shaped the vision of its founder. In 1992, Morrill Worcester, a wreath maker from Harrington, Maine, had a surplus of wreaths at the end of the holiday season. Remembering a transformative visit to Arlington National Cemetery as a child, he decided to honor veterans by placing wreaths in an older section of the cemetery. With support from former Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, this initiative grew over the years.

In 2007, the Worcester family, along with veterans and support groups, established Wreaths Across America as a nonprofit organization. Its mission encompasses remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve, and educating future generations about the value of freedom. In 2023, the organization mobilized a national network of volunteers to place over 3 million veterans’ wreaths at 4,225 locations across the United States and beyond.

Members of the community wishing to participate in this year’s ceremony can volunteer to place wreaths or sponsor wreaths through the Wreaths Across America website. For those interested, Crystal Lake’s cemetery code is ILCLUC, while the American Legion Post 171 code is IL0324P.

To learn more about the William Chandler Peterson American Legion Post 171 and its initiatives, visit LegionCrystalLake171.org. This event represents a significant opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance and gratitude for those who have served their country.