MENOMINEE, MICH. – Volunteers from the Menominee American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 146 recognized Wreaths Across America Day in the Veterans Memorial Section of the Riverside Cemetery.
Although the service planned for Dec. 13 was canceled due to inclement weather, volunteers came out on Tuesday, Dec. 16., to place wreaths on veteran’s graves.
Wreaths Across America Day began 1992 with wreath producer Morrill Worcester in Maine donated wreaths and adorned gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery with them. Since then, the non-profit Wreaths Across America (WAA) was formed in 2007 and wreath-laying ceremonies are now held at thousands of sites across the county, according to WAA.
Menominee ALA president Julie Erickson and vice president/WAA chairperson Lisa Gladue conducted the memorial ceremony with the 2025 theme Keep Moving Forward, selected by WAA Executive Director Karen Worcester.
Gladue explained the theme, “There will always be challenges to overcome as individuals, communities and a country, but we must keep moving forward together. This year we share not a story of resilience, but also the stories of many others who continue to live with purpose every day, and have chosen to keep moving forward.”
Erickson shared the Wreaths Across America Day proclamation written by the City of Menominee Mayor Casey Hoffman, where he explained that the purpose of this event was to “remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom.”
In his letter Hoffman added that this event is a “stirring tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who have guarded and preserved our nation’s freedom throughout history.”
After hearing these opening comments, an opening prayer was given, the pledge of allegiance was recited, Wil Haven spoke to the attendees and the blessing of the wreaths was given by Reverend Bonnie Turner and Deacon Jackie Everson of Grace Episcopal Church.
Representing the military branches and placing the first wreaths were: Joe Marak, U.S. Army; Michael Smith, U.S. Navy; Mary Ihde, U.S. Air Force; Rick Baldwin, U.S. Marine; and — in honor of her son, Mitchell Harvey — Kris Harvey, U.S. Coast Guard.
Gladue extended her appreciation to Bob Casperson for the use of his trailer for transporting wreaths; the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department for escorting; American Legion Commander Gary Gladue for usage of his pole building; Lee Ann Truitt for assembling the wreaths; and all of the donors and community members who made the event possible.
While these wreaths may only be seasonal, the ALA supports veterans year-round.
Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Chairperson Donna Lewis of the ALA works with the D.J. Jacobetti Home in Marquette, Mich., to work with different veterans each month.
Ihde is the veteran banner chairperson and runs the Hometown Hero Program.
This program is a community-based initiative that creates banners to honor local residents — living or deceased — who have served in the United States Armed Forces and have been honorably discharged. The banners have the slogan “Hometown Hero” on top with a photo, the name of the military member and branch of service.
To learn more about resources and opportunities for veterans in Menominee, Mich., visit https://menomineeamericanlegion.org/auxiliary or follow Menominee American Legion on Facebook.
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