The Ottawa County Wreath Committee has announced it will be bringing Wreaths Across America to the veteran graves in Clay Township and Allen Township cemeteries on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. With volunteer help, the committee will place more than 1,000 remembrance wreaths at the final resting place of the many Ottawa County heroes.

The committee would also like to include the more than 600 veterans interred in the Marblehead area cemeteries of Clemons, St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic, Lockwood, Sackett, St. Joseph’s Catholic, Russian Orthodox, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Wolcott, Hartshorn and Battefield cemeteries.

The committee is very close to being able to cover these additional cemeteries, but need volunteer assistance and funding in order to raise $2,800 to complete the mission. Tax deductible donations of any amount should be sent to Wreaths Across America, 8444 W State Route 163, Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449.

The mission of Wreaths Across America is: Remember, Honor, Teach. It is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies in December at cemeteries in all 50 states and beyond.

The event is made possible by thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths and participate in the events.

Local veterans and their families and friends look forward to another beautiful, yet somber day of remembrance on National Wreaths Across America Day. Should anyone have any questions, especially concerning volunteering or donations, committee member Sara Toris can be reached at the Ottawa County Veterans Service Office, 419-898-2089.