Wreaths Across America honors veterans, first responders in Elk Grove Village

Nearly 100 people gathered on a cold, rainy Saturday morning at Elk Grove Cemetery in Elk Grove Village to pay tribute to the veterans and first responders buried there by laying wreaths on their graves.

It was a scene repeated at thousands of cemeteries across the country as part of the annual Wreaths Across America event

Jane Greega of Daughters of the American Revolution led the Elk Grove event, which included the ceremonial laying of wreaths and a flag-folding ceremony conducted by the Elk Grove Police Department Honor Guard. Among the veterans honored were two - Eli Skinner and Aaron Miner - who served in the Revolutionary War.

“This kind of turnout, in this kind of weather, is impressive,” Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said. “This is truly a special place.”

Nationwide, more than two million supporters of Wreaths Across America gathered at more than 4,000 locations to remember, honor and teach about veterans and their sacrifices.