Mark the calendar – all in the community are welcome and encouraged to come out on Saturday, Dec. 16 for the annual Wreaths Across America program.
The third Saturday each December, a nationwide effort is undertaken in cemeteries across multiple states, to place holiday wreaths on the graves of veterans. In Oakdale, the wreaths are placed at the Oakdale Citizens Cemetery, 701 East J Street.
“We will start with a ceremony at 9 a.m.,” cemetery spokesperson Melinda Owen said. “We have close to 900 wreaths for our veterans.”
The ceremony will include the National Anthem performed by Barb Findlay, remarks by J.R. McCarty, representing Pacific Project Heroes, special music by Dan Shatswell, a rendition of Taps and more.
“Dress very warmly and bring a chair if you’re unable to stand for half an hour,” Owen advised.
The ceremony will be centered around the flagpole and, once that is complete, volunteers will fan out across the cemetery to place the wreaths.
Owen said coaches and players from all three Oakdale High School boys basketball teams are going to be helping out at the event, including directing people where to park their cars. With roadwork ongoing along a portion of J Street, Owen said those driving in are advised to enter the cemetery from the Sixth Street side and there will be ample parking on the cemetery grounds.
As they have in past years, several Oakdale Scout troops, including Pack 365 and Troop 42, will be assisting as well and Owen said one change they have made this year to facilitate the wreath laying is having wreaths placed in stacks throughout the cemetery prior to the ceremony. Previously, all the wreaths were up front, stacked on tables adjacent to the flagpole area, and people had to keep coming back to get more. This year there will be multiple locations around the cemetery where there will be wreaths available, making placement more efficient.
“Many, many people have sponsored wreaths for this,” Owen added. “We have a lot of families that are coming in to place wreaths.”
The program is open to anyone throughout the area. Owen said they have drawn not only Oakdale residents in the past but also those from Riverbank, Escalon and surrounding communities, due in part to the number of veterans buried at the cemetery and the family connections that still exist in the region.
It is a nationwide event and wreaths are available for purchase throughout the year for the program to help ensure every veteran’s grave has a wreath for the holidays.
