National Wreaths Across America Day celebrated at Fort Harrison
Author: Matt Nelson
Matt Nelson
On Saturday, December 13th, there was an indoor ceremony at the Helena Armed Forces Reserve Center at Fort Harrison to honor our military veterans who have perished, followed by the laying of wreaths at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. This occurred simultaneously while wreaths were laid at the national ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Quoting from the Program, “A minute of silence is observed to remember the fallen, the prisoners of war, the missing in action, and to honor those who have served and are serving in this great nation’s armed forces.”
Wreaths Across AmericaTM is a national organization that was started at Arlington in 1992 with the laying of 5000 wreaths that had been donated by Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester. Now, the laying of wreaths occurs at 3,702 locations across the country. In 2022, 2.7 million wreaths were placed; 1600 were placed at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery on this day. The ceremony and the laying of the wreaths were hosted by the Montana POW/MIA Awareness Association.
Also, according to Patty Donoho, a member of the Oro Fino Chapter in Helena of the Daughters of the American Revolution, “We are a wreath sponsor for Wreaths Across America.”
Another sponsor at this ceremony was the MTPMAA, the Montana POW/MIA Awareness Association (MTRidetoRemember.org). They have been the main sponsor for the eleventh consecutive year. During the Summer, approximately 200 members ride their motorcycles from Helena to Yellowstone to honor the POW/MIA veterans.
At the indoor ceremony, Rubin Ackerman, the Recording Officer of the MTPMAA, welcomed all of those present, followed by Randy Welch, the Vice-President, who gave the Invocation and Benediction prayers. Boy Scout Troop 207 led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Charmaine Lindgren led the Singing of our National Anthem.
Navy veteran Barb Crabtree called out for 10 memorial wreaths to be posted by representatives of the US Army, US Marine Corps. US Navy, US Air Force, US Space Force, US Coast Guard, US Space Force, US Coast Guard, US Merchant Marine, POW/MIA, White Star, and Gold Star.
About 40 people lined up to read the names of 44 Montana service members fallen since 9/11. A few people read two names. Follow this, Lisa Juvik Leland, the President of the MT POW/MIA Awareness Association gave closing remarks, and after that everyone was dismissed to go to the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, where somebody played TAPS on a bugle, and later on in the day the 1600 wreaths were actually placed on the graves of our fallen heroes. It was an emotional experience just being there.
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PhotoCredit: Matt Nelson
Image 1 Caption: First 5 of ten wreaths honoring veterans left - right, US Army, US Marine Corps, US Navy, US Air Force, and US Space Force.
Photo Credit: Matt Nelson
Image 2 Caption: Townsend resident Al Christophersen was one of 40 people reading out names of veterans who have perished since 9-11. He is standing next to Barb Crabtree.
Photo Credit: Matt Nelson
Image 3 Caption: Townsend resident Jim Tillman was one of the many people laying wreaths at the Montan State Veterans Cemetery.
Photo Credit: Matt Nelson
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