14 www.DesertMessenger.com January 1, 2020
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Wreaths Across America
By Verla Fish
A nationally acclaimed day as Wreath Across
America was held at the Hi Ali Cemetery on
Quartzsite as well as nearly 1700 other cem-
eteries across America on Saturday, December
14th at 1:00 p.m. The day was also proclaimed
Wreath Across America by the Quartzsite town
Council at their meeting. The purpose of this
day is to remember and honor all Veterans who
served and are serving our Armed Forces and
their families at Christmas time.
This program was started in 1992 by a gentle-
man who had extra live wreaths, so he had them
placed on all the graves at Arlington Cemetery.
The interest of this endeavor has now increased
to nearly 1700 national and local cemeteries in all
50 states being decorated by volunteers on this
day each year. Also, some of the American Na-
tional cemeteries in other countries are now re-
ceiving wreaths to place on our Veteran graves.
A Wreath Parade led by the VFW Border-
line Riders proceeded from VFW Post 769 to the
Cemetery where the ceremony was held in front
of the Hi Ali Monument. The VFW Auxiliary was
not fortunate enough to receive wreaths for each
grave this year. So eight (8) wreaths were pre-
sented in front of the Monument In a ceremony
coordinated by Sherry Andreasen. The Cadet
Honor Guard presented the Flag, after which
the Pledge to the Flag was given by all in atten-
dance, followed by a song by Skyhawk.
SEE WREATHS PAGE 15
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