Huntley honors veterans with Wreaths Across America ceremony

On Dec. 22, the Huntley community joined more than 4,900 locations across the country in the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony.

The event, held at noon at the Huntley Cemetery, served as a powerful tribute to those who have served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces.

Sponsored by the village of Huntley, American Legion Post 673, and the Rotary Club of Huntley, the ceremony opened with a presentation by the American Legion Honor Guard.

Local dignitaries spoke to the gathered crowd, emphasizing the importance of remembering the fallen and teaching younger generations the profound value of freedom while ensuring that the legacy of our local heroes is never forgotten.

Following the formal service, community members took part in the moving tradition of laying fresh balsam fir wreaths on each veteran’s grave at both Huntley Cemetery and adjacent St. Mary Cemetery.

As each wreath was placed, volunteers announced the veteran’s name aloud, offering a personal word of thanks for their service and sacrifice.

About Wreaths Across America: Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine business owner Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission — Remember, Honor, Teach — is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.