Mount Rest Cemetery remembers the fallen during Wreaths Across America

Mount Rest Cemetery, a small country cemetery in far North Newport Township, was abuzz with over 200 people on Dec. 18, as they attended a ceremony for Wreaths Across America to "Remember, Honor and Teach."

The ceremony began at 11 a.m. sharp with the posting of the colors by the Waukegan High School JROTC.

Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, NSDAR honorary Chaplain Judy Knoblock gave the Invocation and Jake Scheuring sang the national anthem.

The ceremony was led by Pam Holmes, vice regent of Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter and Wreaths Across America location coordinator for Mount Rest Cemetery in Wadsworth.

Service members from each branch of the service presented ceremonial wreaths.

"Amazing Grace" was sung by Katie Bachochin accompanied by John Nelson on guitar.

The guest speaker was Paula Carballido, co-founder and executive director of Lake County Honor Flight. Benediction was given by Judy Knoblock, and taps was played by Allen Salzman from Bugles Across America.

George Foster from North Point Digital Productions, LLC, an Army veteran provided his service videoing the ceremony. Dee Ann Ellis from Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter was the photographer.

After the ceremony, volunteers placed 69 wreaths on the marked graves of veterans. The volunteers paused at each veterans grave, saying their name aloud and thanking them for their service, thus keeping their memory alive.

If you would like more information about Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, email ABC4Service@gmail.com.

For more information about Wreaths Across America, visit their website, www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.