Fond du Lac's first ever Wreaths Across America Event
Video coverage:
https://www.wearegreenbay.com/news/local-news/fond-du-lacs-first-ever-wreaths-across-america-event-pays-homage-to-those-who-served/
FOND DU LAC, Wis (WFRV) – Fond du Lac held its first-ever Wreaths Across America ceremony at St. Charles and Taycheedah Cemeteries on Saturday, marking a momentous occasion for the community.
This national event, which took place at more than 4,200 locations across the United States, honored veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The event was coordinated by the Fond du Lac Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), which raised funds throughout the year to sponsor the placement of 347 wreaths on the graves of fallen service members in these two cemeteries.
The event is designed to demonstrate remembrance, ensuring that the memory of those who served endures for future generations.
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Today is the first day of hopefully many annual Wreaths Across America, laying here in the cemetery outside the city of Fond du Lac. It’s a great opportunity to honor the veterans that are buried here, and this is going on around the country.
Joe Moore, City Manager of Fond du Lac
Moore added that it was especially meaningful for families as names were called for people to place wreaths on their loved ones’ graves. “That’s a really special thing,” he said.
The ceremony was well-attended by community members, including many young people, who were there to honor those who served and those who are now resting in the cemetery.
Sherry Holmes, Regent of the Fond du Lac DAR, remarked, “Isn’t it wonderful to see all the young people here to honor the people that are serving and those who have served our country and are now resting here in this cemetery?”
Holmes also shared her pride in the community’s support for the event, saying, “I am so impressed with our turnout and the support we’ve had within the community to make this possible. I can’t say thank you enough.”
The DAR hopes to expand the ceremony to other cemeteries in Fond du Lac in the coming years, as veterans are laid to rest in many local cemeteries who deserve similar recognition.
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For many veterans attending, this day was a reminder of the importance of honoring fallen comrades. Tom Herre, who served in the Army for 30 years, expressed his gratitude, “We are very appreciative of people that take advantage of showing people their love for the service.”
Tracy Allen, a retired First Sergeant in the U.S. Army spoke of the significance of continuing the tradition.
“What folks are doing here today; to continue to remember and to let us know to never forget, that’s the biggest thing,” Allen said. “Never forget what it costs to be able to communicate in our lives. We just have to preserve, communicate, and never forget what it costs to be free.”
As wreaths were placed at the graves of local veterans, the community’s strong support for its service members was evident. This first Wreaths Across America event in Fond du Lac was a success and a meaningful tribute to those who have given so much for the country.
