HARSHAW, WI (WSAU-WXPR) –The Northwoods National Cemetery held its first Wreaths Across America ceremony on Friday.
The newly built cemetery in Harshaw currently has 13 people laid to rest there. Wreaths Across America is a day to honor, remember, and teach about the sacrifices veterans made for our freedoms.
Mary Ingman is the location coordinator for Wreaths Across America at the Northwoods National Cemetery. She tells WXPR Radio it was a privilege to be able to hold the ceremony. “It’s not something you can do alone, as you can tell there were a number of people involved in it. It was a success because of everyone’s contributions,” said Ingman.
Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, the ceremony was small and private. Veterans from the American Legion Post 93 in Tomahawk presented the colors. VFW Post 2687 President Charlotte Wyles spoke at the event.
“There are millions of Americans gathering safely as one nation to remember, honor, and teach. We are all proud be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people from many walks of life. The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price,” said Wyles.
A group of seven veterans and active service members each laid a wreath in honor of each military branch. Jerry Johnson is the American Legion Post 93 Commander in Tomahawk. He presented one of the wreaths.
Johnson was honored to participate in the ceremony and is happy to have a National Cemetery in the Northwoods. “This is a big area of a lot of veterans in this area up here, so it is really nice that they finally got one up here for us closer,” said Johnson.
The ceremony was taped for the public to view it
