Local posts to participate in Wreaths Across America event
From Arlington National Cemetery to thousands of cemeteries across the country — including those in Auglaize County — wreaths will be placed on the graves of veterans to honor those who have given their lives in action.
At noon Dec. 19, the St. Marys American Legion Post 323 and Ralph Reynolds, commander of St. Marys VFW Post 9289, and member of Freedom's Colors Veterans Organization, will be placing wreaths on the headstones of 28 veterans in 19 cemeteries in two counties as part of the 12th annual Wreaths Across America for Auglaize County.
Those veterans who were killed during the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan wars were from or lived in Auglaize County.
The American Legion, headed by Post 323 Public Relations Chairman John Mcjunkin, will meet at 11: 30 a. m. at the Varsity Lanes parking lot, 91 Herzing St. and will proceed to Memorial Park in downtown St. Marys. There, a group will be placing wreaths at noon with a small program. In Wapakoneta, wreaths will be placed on gravesite in St. Joseph Cemetery.
The American Legion and the VFW groups will then meet at 1 p. m. at Rest Haven Cemetery on County Road 33A for the program and placing of wreaths. The groups will then go separate ways continuing to place wreaths.
"This day is the first time the American Legion Post 323 will take part in the Wreaths Across America program," Mcjunkin said in a press release. "I feel with help, the program can expand, with the aid of groups and students. A great goal would be a wreath for each Veteran. I ask all to remember all the veterans who served and especially remember our local veterans who gave their lives for all of us and may their names never be forgotten."
Reynolds has participated in the program for years, honoring veterans throughout the county.
The Wreaths Across America ceremonies started as a program to help families who will be missing a member during the holiday season. The program has grown as people as it aims to remember, honor and teach students the need for the country's veterans by coordinating wreath- laying ceremonies at more than 2,100 locations nationally, at sea and abroad.
More information on the program can be found at Wreathsacrossamerica.org.
"This year I am proud to be a part of this ceremony, and to be able to share with St Marys and Auglaize County the beauty and meaning of the wreaths in significant places," Mcjunkin said. "I wish to thank all the volunteers who will be taking part in the ceremonies and a special thanks to the Grand Lake Jeep Group and to the Ohio Chained Eagles, who volunteered to escort the wreaths to all the stops.
"I also invite everyone to come out and be part of the day’s ceremonies."
Fallen Veterans from Auglaize County
Vietnam War
Ronnie Blair
Clarence L. Coleman
Richard A. Doseck
William Guyer
Charles A. Lauer
Vernon J. Seger
Gordon Shepard
Russell L. Wilcox
Frederick A Ziegenfelder
Michael D. Armstrong
Dennis L. Dulebohn
Gary Dietrick
Bruce Kolter
Ronald Parsons
Michael L. Oen
Steven A. Zimmerman
Korean War
Gene A. Dennis
Marvin Frysinger Hirham E. Gilroy
Clifford Hammond
Frank E. Kaufman
Richard D. Keysor
Anthony L. Knapke
Charles W. Gunther Iraq War
Michael J. Schoolcraft III
Kevin Bittinger
Sonny Zimmerman