Single-digit temperatures on Saturday, December 13, 2025, kept away the usual crowd of volunteers at Lusk Memorial Cemetery, Albany, IL, who honor 200+ military personnel. According to Location Coordinator Pastor Toni Lucas, “About 20 people attended” the annual Wreaths Across America decoration of graves. This was the 18th annual WAA event she has planned.
In preparation for the day, teepee-shaped wire flag holders had been inserted at graves of veterans. Usually, the task is easy for volunteers:
• pick up arm loads of prepared wreaths
• walk to a flag holder across the cemetery grounds
• hang a donated evergreen wreath
• remove any snow to display the honoree
• say the person’s name aloud, in recognition of their service.
Lucas began speaking by microphone a bit after 11:00 a.m. Bharati Mannion, Morrison, IL, center, sang the National Anthem. Morrison’s Barry Linder, at right, took photos. Lucas included a history of these ceremonies, which stemmed from those at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D. C. There now are over 5600 locations holding Wreaths Across America tributes.
Morrison American Legion member Garry Seaman posted the U. S. flag, while the Color Guard shivered at attention. Left-to-right are Jerry Brearon, Ken Brainerd, and Ken Petersen.
Near the Star Spangled Banner, eight decorated wreaths were hung on stands, focusing on seven branches of the United States Armed Services. Included were the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines, plus one for those who remain Missing In Action or were Prisoners of War.
Members of the Clinton, IA, Amvets Post 28 offered a rifle salute. Amvets is a social club that supports area military veterans.
Morrison Bugler Carolyn Aiken concluded the program with “Taps.” Volunteers gathered wreaths and quickly set across the burial site.
The slogan of Wreaths Across America, stated Pastor Lucas, is “Remember. Honor. Teach.”–regardless of the weather. “Our service persons couldn’t take a day off due to cold weather. So, I felt we should hold the [tribute] event, regardless of how many volunteers there were.” Mission accomplished!
Contact Lucas at rememberhonorteach@gmail.com to donate for wreath purchases for 2026, or to volunteer to distribute wreaths next December.
Five Carroll Jo Davies Chapter members of National Society Daughters of the American Revolution plus a family member attended, including the Editor Stephanie Vavra. Left-to-right, front are Gwen Smith; Carter, grandson of Jill Hesse; behind Hesse are DAR members Karen Norem and Cynthia Dyson.
