Wreaths Across America saw a significant expansion between its first and second years.
That expansion was evident as the ceremonial event went from laying wreaths for each military service branch last year to wreaths honoring more than 600 soldiers buried at Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery on Saturday. Organizer Scott Burenheide says the wreaths are a way for people to remember veterans.
Incoming 17th District Senator Mike Argabright says this is a good recognition program, especially at a time when people’s minds may be elsewhere.
This was the first year Burenheide actively sought sponsorships for the better than 1,600 soldiers laid to rest at Maplewood. He says that effort will step up leading up to the 2025 event next December.
The Wreaths Across America started operations in 2007, but the actual effort started in 1992 when Worcester Wreath Company owner Morrill Worcester donated wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. Last year, over three million wreaths were laid in over 4,200 locations across the country. This year’s number of participating locations was over 4,900.
Locally, this year’s wreath delivery hit a snag when the delivery truck broke down in Kansas City while on its way from Maine to Emporia. The truck was fixed and the delivery took place Friday, two days after the original delivery date.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
