Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Rain doesn’t dampen spirits
Montezuma celebrates Wreaths Across America in drizzle
MONTEZUMA — A light drizzle fell from the sky nearly 40 community volunteers, veterans, their family members and students with the Montezuma FFA Chapter gathered at the Montezuma Veterans Memorial the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 16.
Pastor Ted Morelock, a member and chaplain of the Montezuma Sons of the American Legion chapter led the gathering in prayer.
Montezuma’s Harold Wheeler led the Pledge of Allegiance and verbalized a few thoughts of the day’s activities as part of Wreaths Across America.
“Welcome,” said Wheeler. “Thank you for joining us today as we celebrate the mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families and teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
The opening remarks were followed by a moment of silence to remember the fallen, prisoners of war and those missing in action and honor those who have served and are serving this great nation’s armed services.
Wheeler encouraged every volunteer who places a wreath on a veteran’s grave to say that veteran’s name aloud and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country.
“Remember, we are not here to decorate graves,” said Wheeler. “We are here to remember, not their deaths, but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America.”
At Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma the crowd spread out and placed wreaths on veterans’ graves. First were the graves of veterans whose family members purchased wreaths in their honor.
The remaining wreaths were placed on other veterans’ graves and on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Wreaths were also placed in front of the Montezuma Veterans Monument in honor of all who served in the six branches of service. A wreath of honor was placed for those missing in action.
A total of 300 wreaths were placed on graves at Jackson Township Cemetery, Ewart Cemetery and West Liberty Cemetery. Some purchased wreaths were placed in other cemeteries.
This is the third year that Montezuma has hosted the Wreaths Across America program. It was the first under the direction of the newly formed Montezuma Sons of the American Legion Chapter.
The first two years were under the direction of brothers Roger and Russ Cox, with the Montezuma American Legion helping with the project.
The Sons thanked Kevin Carl for taking delivery of the wreaths, Ron Hensel, Commander of the Montezuma American Legion Post 169 and SAL members, Montezuma FFA, Capra Bank for providing the lunch from Subway prior to the wreath laying, Uwe Meyer for providing the transportation of the wreaths in his 1970 Duce military truck and other volunteers who made the event possible.
“Being a veteran myself and member of the Montezuma American Legion Post 169 as well as a member of the Sons of the American Legion, I find this to be a great honor to our deceased veterans on today, Dec. 16, during this Wreaths Across America program,” said Commander Ron Hensel.
“I feel that this is an honor and privilege that we can serve our veterans any way we can after they served our country,” said John McWilliams, who joined the Montezuma Sons of the American Legion Chapter in honor of his father, PFC A. Dale McWilliams.
“It’s an honorable event,” said Rodney Morse, a U.S. Air Force veteran and member of the Montezuma American Legion Post 169 and the Sons of the American Legion who helped organize the event. “I’m glad to be a part of this event.”
Morse said his son, Walker, 5, is a member of the Montezuma SAL and his daughter, Hailey, is a member of the Montezuma American Legion.
Morelock, SAL Chaplin, said he joined the chapter in honor of his father, SFC Elza Morelock, who served in World War II in the U.S. Navy.
“He served in the Pacific and was involved in the Battle of Okinawa,” Morelock said. “His ship shot down 13 Japanese planes. I’m doing this in honor of him and other family members who served in World War II.”
“It’s great to honor the soldiers who fought for our freedom,” said Jason Meyer, a member of the Montezuma SAL and son of veteran Uwe Meyer.
Among those participating in the wreath laying were eight Montezuma students with the local FFA Chapter.
“I’m really glad that the FFA got to take part in this activity,” said Madison Van Zee, Montezuma FFA Chapter President. “This is a great way to serve our community and give back to those who served.”
