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On Dec. 19, 2020 volunteers from the national nonprofit organization, Wreaths Across America, displayed a set of wreaths in Ouray Cemetery near the Chief Ouray and Buckskin Charley Memorials to honor those veterans who were laid to rest in the cemetery. The second or third Saturday in December is declared National Wreaths Across America Day and over 1.7 million wreaths are laid in cemeteries and memorials across the country. Fresh snow blankets the Ouray Memorial Cemetery and the freshly placed wreaths, Tuesday morning, Dec. 29, in Ignacio, Colo.
The end of December brought snow to Southwest Colorado, blanketing the Chief Ouray and Buckskin Charley Memorials and symbolic evergreen wreaths. The wreaths were set out as part of the annual Wreaths Across America program; the organization aims to, “Remember our fallen U.S. Veterans, Honor those who serve, and Teach children the value of freedom.”
Photo Credit: Fabian Martinez | SU Drum
Photo Credit: Fabian Martinez | SU Drum
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Wreaths Across America Day honors veterans across the country

Wednesday - December 30, 2020 by Staff report | The Southern Ute Drum

This year, on National Wreaths Across America Day, dedicated Americans in every state honored our nation’s heroes by safely placing a total of 1.7 million veterans’ wreaths on their headstones and remembering them, by saying each name out loud.

“The 2020 theme for Wreaths Across America has been ‘Be an American worth fighting for,’ and this year I have been blessed to see my fair share,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “The determination of the American people and their commitment to the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, made it possible for us to move forward this year, safely. We are humbled, and forever grateful for the outpouring of support from all across the country.”

Wreaths Across America would like to thank the dedicated volunteers in every state for overcoming the many obstacles presented and remaining focused on the mission over the last year. From the individual location coordinators working with local officials on modified wreath placement plans, to the professional truck drivers who have been keeping this country moving but found time to help deliver these truckloads of respect. Each person has played an important a part in the mission to remember the fallen, honor those that serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

Each live, balsam veteran’s wreath is a gift of respect and appreciation, donated by a private citizen or organization and it is placed on graves by volunteers as a small gesture of gratitude for the freedoms Americans enjoy. For centuries, fresh evergreens have been used as a symbol of honor and have served as a living tribute renewed annually. Wreaths Across America believes the tradition represents a living memorial that honors veterans, active duty military and their families and when volunteers say the name of a veteran out loud, when placing a wreath, it ensures they live on in our memory. For more information, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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