Wreath ceremony at Fernley veterans cemetery Saturday

Each year, the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery (NNVMC) participates in “Wreaths Across America” a nationwide day of recognition for past veterans through the placement of Christmas wreaths at gravesites. Wreaths Across America was developed on the idea to “Remember, Honor, Teach,” by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies on a day in December in all 50 states and other countries.

NNVMC will for the first time receive enough wreaths to cover each headstone throughout the cemetery through the donations and sponsorships of individuals and organizations.

“These wreaths are entirely funded through private donations in honor of veterans and family members who are placed at the Fernley cemetery,” says Kat Miller, Director of the Nevada Department of Veterans Services (NDVS). “We’re honored with this outpouring of support from the community and family who want to continue to remember those who have served and are no longer with us during the holiday season.”

Placement of the wreaths will occur on Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 9 a.m. at the NNVMC located at 14 Veterans Drive in Fernley. The wreaths are placed each year through the work of organizations and the public who wish to attend.

“We’re very fortunate to have so many organizations involved in the wreath placement ceremony,” says Miller. “Members from 21 different organizations are scheduled to be involved this year and we invite anyone interested in assisting to come out. It is truly a moving experience to see and be a part of the involvement in honoring veterans.”

Donations can be made now for next year at either the Fernley or Boulder City cemetery in Southern Nevada. “We’re encouraging sponsorships for 2015 to begin now for both cemeteries,” says Miller. “Sponsorship of a wreath can be made directly to either cemetery for next year through the links dedicated to each cemetery.”

Costs for wreaths begin at $15. To sponsor a wreath in Nevada, click one of the links for a Nevada state cemetery: Wreaths for Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery; and Wreaths for Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Organizations scheduled to attend on Saturday include;

Northern Nevada Veterans Coalition, Rotary Clubs of Northern Nevada District 5190, American Legion Posts, Blue Star Moms, Churchill County High School Student Body, Order of Eagles, DAV — Disabled American Veterans, DAR — Daughters of the American Revolution, Masons, 4-H Clubs, Fernley Builders Association, Fernley Republican Women, Fernley Senior Center (BINGO), Fernley High School Honor Society, Gold Star Mothers, Ladies Aux. of the Fleet Reserve, NARFE — –National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Scottish American Military Society, VFW — Veterans of Foreign Wars, VVA — Vietnam Veterans of America, Mom 2 Mom from NAS Fallon.