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 (WAA). Each volunteer received instructions on how to lay the wreaths and what to say. There were many children in attendance, and it was nice to hear the parents explain why we honor Veterans. 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, as well as at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.
Mount Rest Cemetery, located 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, IL. 68 identified Veterans were honored, and each received remembrance wreaths. As volunteers approached each of the Veterans gravesites, the fresh balsam wreath with the red bow centered at 12:00 was held out, their names were spoken out loud, thanked for their service, and the wreath was placed at their gravesite.
The fresh balsam used 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 is 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, 2 WWII Veterans and a Korean War Veteran. Our chapter is in the process of obtaining and filling out the necessary paperwork to mark these graves. In 2023, we 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, please visit Ansel Brainerd Cooks group page at: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/IL0196
From December 17, 2022, through January 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 3000 chapters worldwide all have proven their lineage from patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. The DAR is one of the most active service organizations. 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, please visit:
https://www.ildar.org/chapters/anselbrainerdcook
or email us at: ABC4DAR@gmail.com
For more information about Wreaths Across America, please visit:
https://<URL destination="http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org ">www.wreathsacrossamerica.org