Saluting during a Wreaths Across America ceremony are, left to right, Marine Corp. Vietnam veterans Pat Kinsella and Darrell Spangler, both of Sidney, and Sidney Boy Scout Troop 97 member Aiden Campbell, of Piqua, on Dec. 17, 2022. The Shelby County Historical Society and Shelby County Vets to DC are participating in the program again this year.
Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
The Shelby County Historical Society is partnering with the Shelby County Vets to DC to participate in the Wreaths Across America program on Dec. 14.
Wreaths Across America is a national event which started out decorating the graves at Arlington National Cemetery to remember and honor the men and women who have served their country. More than 5,000 communities across the United States will decorate graves at noon on Dec. 14.
Last year, nearly 800 veterans graves in Shelby County were dressed for the holiday season through the Wreaths Across America program. This year our goal is 800 again this year. If you would like to participate in this program and purchase a wreath to honor a Shelby County Veteran, you will find us at Sidney’s Great Farmer’s Market through the month of September and first two weeks of October, you can place your order at the Shelby County Historical Society, 201 N. Main Ave., Sidney.
The wreaths are $17 apiece or 3 for $34. The wreaths will be placed on graves in section 6 of Graceland Cemetery this year. If you would like to purchase a wreath to put on a grave outside of this section of Graceland, or in another cemetery, you have the option of picking up a wreath at 10 a.m. on Dec. 14 at the Maintenance building at Graceland Cemetery.
If you would like to make a financial donation, the money will be used to purchase extra wreaths for the grave of veterans who no longer have family members that can decorate for them. Deadline to purchase the wreaths is Nov. 8.
On the day of the ceremony, we invite the public to help us lay wreaths at Graceland Cemetery, section 6.
The committee is hoping the community will again give their support to honor the men and women of Shelby County who have served and defended the rights and freedoms that we continue to enjoy to this day.
