Wreaths Across America: Veterans to receive wreaths on graves

BENTON -- Over 200 Scott County veterans will receive wreaths on their graves this Christmas season.

For the first time, a Wreaths Across America ceremony will take place in Scott County. Set for 11 a.m. Dec. 14 at the St. Denis Cemetery in Benton, the ceremony is sponsored by the American Legion Riders Chapter 369 of Benton.

The national program's mission, "Remember, Honor, Teach," is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies a specified Saturday in December at Arlington, Va., as well as veterans' cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

"All veterans should -- before Christmas -- have a wreath on their grave sites in honor of what they served," said Verlon "Boo" Parker, co-coordinator of this year's Scott County Wreaths Across America Program.

The Benton ceremony will include opening remarks by Janet Kline, guest speaker Dorothy Points, special guest U.S. Rep. Holly Rehder, posting of colors by New Madrid ROTC and invocation and benediction by the Rev. Michael Casteel, pastor of St. Denis Church in Benton and St. Lawrence Church in New Hamburg.

"This will be our first Wreaths Across America in Scott County. We're trying to get people to come out and learn more about the wreaths," Parker said.

Seven ceremonial wreaths will be used in the ceremony to represent the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW/MIA.

In addition to the ceremonial wreaths, 59 will be placed on graves at St. Denis. Another 13 wreaths will be placed on graves at the old Benton Cemetery and another 109 placed on veterans' graves at St. Lawrence Cemetery in New Hamburg.

Local Boy Scouts will also assist with laying the wreaths on the graves.

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