Rain doesn’t dampen the spirts of Montezuma volunteers taking part in the ‘Wreaths Across America’ program

     Jacob Meyer, a Montezuma Seventh grader, places a wreath on a veteran’s grave at Jackson Township Cemetery during the “Wreaths Across America” project in Montezuma on Saturday, Dec. 16. Members of the Montezuma Sons of American Legion (SAL) spearheaded the wreath project. The SAL, along with veterans, community volunteers and members of the Montezuma FFA Chapter, placed 300 wreathes on veteran’s graves at three different area cemeteries.

By J.O. Parker
 
      A light drizzle fell from the sky as a gathering of nearly 40 community volunteers, veterans, their family members and students with the Montezuma FFA Chapter met at the Montezuma Veterans Memorial early on the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 16.
    Pastor Ted Morelock, a member and chaplain of the Montezuma Sons of the American Legion (SAL) chapter led the gathering in prayer.
     Montezuma’s Harold Wheeler then led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a few thoughts of the day’s activities as part of the “Wreaths Across America” program.
   “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.
     In wrapping up the brief opening ceremony, 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.”
     The gathering then dispersed to the Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma where they spread out and placed wreaths on veteran’s graves. First in order was the graves of veterans who had family members purchase a wreath in their honor. The remaining wreaths were then placed on other veteran’s graves including 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 and a wreath in honor of those missing in action.
     All totaled, 300 wreaths were placed on graves at Jackson Township Cemetery, Ewart Cemetery and West Liberty Cemetery. Some residents purchased wreaths for placing in other cemeteries.
     This is the third year that Montezuma has hosted the “Wreaths Across America,” program and the first under the direction of the newly formed Montezuma SAL Chapter. The first two years were under the direction of brothers, Roger and Russ Cox, with the Montezuma American Legion helping with the project.
    A thank you went out to Kevin Carl for taking delivery of and storing the wreaths, Ron Hensel, Commander of the Montezuma American Legion Post 169 and SAL member, 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 many other volunteers who worked to make 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,” noted 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 as well as a member of the Sons of the American Legion Chapter, 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 of his dad. “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.”