Mount Rest Cemetery hosts Wreaths Across America

The damp 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 at more than 4,000 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. By speaking their names, they will not be forgotten.

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 third year that Mount Rest Cemetery has been a participating location for Wreaths Across America. Libertyville’s Ansel Brainerd Cook, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, is the sponsorship group for Mount Rest Cemetery.

This past September, the Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter with the help of several area Veteran groups, Zion Benton Scout Troop 663 and many community groups, commemorated the marking of three veterans’ graves that had been previously unmarked, one veteran waiting 51 years. Two World War II veterans and a Korean War veteran will finally receive their Wreaths Across America Wreath on their newly installed Bronze Marker.

In the Fall of 2024, the Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter will be unveiling a V.A. issued historically reproduced Civil War Headstone for Samuel E. Ames. Several Civil War re-enactors from Light Artillery, Infantry, a Parson, and a 2 Star General will be in the event. For information on this upcoming event, please like and follow Mount Rest Cemetery on Facebook.

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 https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/167123/Overview/?relatedId=0.

For information about Ansel Brainerd Cook chapter, visit https://ildar.org/chapters/anselbrainerdcook/or email ABC4DAR@gmail.com.

For information about Wreaths Across America, visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.