‘Wreaths Across America’ honors fallen heroes in St. Clair County cemeteries

With a mission of honoring fallen soldiers, the eighth annual Wreaths Across America ceremony will take place in three O’Fallon and three Shiloh cemeteries this Saturday, Dec. 13.

Beginning at 11 a.m. at the O’Fallon Cemetery, 601 N. Oak St., volunteers will place 840 wreaths at grave sites.

Organizer John “Woody” Almind said the event will happen rain or shine. The forecast calls for a temperature of 29 degrees and dry weather, he noted.

“The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families and teach our children the value of freedom,” he said.

Volunteers include local Boy Scouts, O’Fallon Township High School’s Junior ROTC Cadets, and OTHS Interact Club.

The public event kicks off with a ceremony that Almind calls a teaching opportunity.

“It teaches our youth to honor our veterans. We want them to know about the selfless sacrifices they made to preserve our freedom. We teach them the significance of Taps, the 21-gun salute, and other traditions. It’s really important that they attend the ceremony before placing the wreaths,” he said.

The national observance began in 1992 at Arlington National Cemetery, but interest spread, and Wreaths Across America became a national nonprofit organization in 2007. “Remember. Honor. Teach.” is the mission.

This year’s theme is “Keep Moving Forward,” in honor of Captain Joshua Byers, U.S. Army, who was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq, on July 23, 2003. The theme is inspired by his final words, organizers said.

After an IED struck his Humvee, he told his driver, “Keep moving forward.”

“Though Josh didn’t make it home, this command saved lives and became a battle cry for his unit and family,” said Karen Worcester, Wreaths Across America’s executive director. “The theme reflects the spirit of honor, respect and service, and a call to action for our volunteers and supporters in the communities they serve.

“This year, we will share not only the Byers’ story of resilience but also the stories of many others who continue to live with purpose every day and have chosen to keep moving forward,” she said.

In 2024, over three million sponsored veterans’ wreaths were placed by volunteers on headstones at 4,909 participating locations worldwide.

The O’Fallon Rotary Club began participating in this annual project in 2018, raising over $8,000 each year to purchase wreaths. They join other civic, military service, educational and community groups across the country in honoring deceased veterans.

Almind, a retired Air Force Colonel, has chaired the event for the Rotarians during the past eight years. He said he is grateful for all the help on behalf of the veterans.

“We have a wonderful community. The financial aid from people and volunteer support from the O’Fallon VFW Post 805, American Legion, Daughters of the Revolution’s Looking Glass Prairie and Belleville chapters, O’Fallon Township High School students, educators, parents and local Scouts come together to assist the Rotary,” he said.

At previous ceremonies, he explained the significance of the “dash” on graveyard headstones.

“Here’s how it goes. When a person passes on, the headstone has two dates on it. The day they were born, and the day they died. What we need to focus on is the dash in the middle. How we live our lives between the date we were born and the day we die is what’s most important. How did these men and women we honor today live their dash? We know they lived part of their lives in the service to our great nation,” Almind said.

The Scouts and Cadets will place wreaths at the following cemeteries:

• O’Fallon City Cemetery, 601 N Oak St., (350 Wreaths)
• Keppler’s Cemetery aka St. Joseph Burial Association, near 701 O’Fallon-Troy Road, just north of O’Fallon, Lebanon (15 Wreaths). Jennifer Bevirt-Mersinger and the family of senior airman Zachary Cuddeback will place these wreaths.
• Rock Spring Cemetery, 40 Commerce Drive, Lebanon, near cement plant (three Wreaths)
• Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery (St. Clare Cemetery), near 4060 Lebanon Ave., village of Shiloh, Belleville (350 Wreaths)
• Shiloh Cemetery, near 210 S. Main St., Shiloh, across the street from Shiloh First United Methodist Church (105 Wreaths). Daughters of the American will place these wreaths.
• Engelmann Cemetery, off Shiloh Station Road, Shiloh (five Wreaths)

“I am extremely thankful that I live in a country where our citizens honor their veterans on days such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Veterans Day, and on a day like Saturday. When each wreath is placed down by a gravestone, it is a symbol acknowledging the sacrifices these service members have given on behalf of our country,” Almind said.