Mount Rest Cemetery hosts Wreaths Across America
The weather did not hamper the enthusiasm of the volunteers that came out to place remembrance wreaths on 68 identified veterans at Mount Rest Cemetery in Wadsworth.
As the 11 a.m. hour approached and the many volunteers assembled, a brief speech was given about Wreaths Across America. Each volunteer received instructions on how to lay the wreaths and what to say. There were many children in attendance, and their parents explained why veterans are honored. Wreaths Across America's mission is to "Remember, Honor and Teach."
The second or third Saturday in December is marked as National Wreaths Across America Day. At noon Eastern Time, wreath laying ceremonies are carried out and coordinated simultaneously around the nation at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.
Mount Rest Cemetery in Wadsworth was established in 1848. There is one Revolutionary War soldier, Henry Collins, and he is only one of two identified Revolutionary soldiers in Lake County.
Sixty-eight identified veterans were honored, and each received remembrance wreaths. As volunteers approached each of the veterans' grave sites, the fresh balsam wreath with the red bow centered at 12 o'clock was held out, their names were spoken out loud, they were thanked for their service, and the wreath was placed at their gravesite.
The fresh balsam represents longevity and endurance. The red bow represents great sacrifice. The forest scent represents purity and simplicity, and the circular shape represents eternity.
This is the second year that Mount Rest Cemetery has been a participating location for Wreaths Across America. Ansel Brainerd Cook, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, is the sponsorship group for Mount Rest Cemetery.
Currently, there are four veteran graves that remain unmarked. One Civil War veteran, two World War II veterans and a Korean War veteran. The Ansel Brainerd Cook chapter is in the process of obtaining and filling out the necessary paperwork to mark these graves.
In 2023, they are hopeful to place the remembrance wreaths on their new headstones. These men will not be forgotten.
If you are interested in sponsoring a wreath for one of the veterans at Mount Rest Cemetery, visit Ansel Brainerd Cook's group page at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/IL0196.
From Dec. 17, 2022, through Jan. 15, 2023, all wreaths sponsored through a registered WAA sponsorship group like Ansel Brainerd Cooks group page will be matched by WAA for wreath placement next December.
The Ansel Brainerd Chapter, NSDAR, is celebrating its 45th year. The chapter was organized in September 1977 in Libertyville by 17 members. The chapter has now grown to include more than 175 members. In 2021, the ABC chapter members logged in 7,705 volunteer hours in the communities in which we work and live.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its 190,000-plus members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide all have proved their lineage from patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War.
DAR members have committed to volunteer service, having served more than 12.5 million hours in communities throughout the world.
For more information about Ansel Brainerd Cook chapter, visit www.ildar.org/chapters/anselbrainerdcook or email ABC4DAR@gmail.com.
For more information about Wreaths Across America, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
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