Oakdale Citizens Cemetery will be celebrating its fourth year of participation in the annual Wreaths Across America program that places holiday wreaths on the graves of veterans at over 5000 cemeteries across the nation – starting at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
The wreaths for each cemetery are sponsored by individuals, businesses and community organizations. Sponsorships are in full swing in the fall, but can be made at any time during the year. A wreath sponsorship is $17.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, a patriotic program will start promptly at 9 a.m. on the cemetery grounds, 701 E. J St., Oakdale.
J.R. McCarty, current president of Pacific Project Heroes, Inc., will serve as emcee for this year’s event, which will also feature local Scouts from various troops.
There will be music, a bagpiper, buglers, and local veterans and emergency services personnel who will present Memorial Wreaths representing each branch of the military, along with fire and police.
After the short program on Saturday morning, volunteers in attendance will spread out throughout the cemetery grounds to place the wreaths on veterans’ graves, which were marked with American flags on Veterans Day.
The Wreaths Across America program originated over 25 years ago from a wreath maker in Maine who sent excess wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery one year. His goal along with marking the graves was to Remember, Honor, Teach.
Oakdale’s program started when Doug Creekpaum set up a sponsorship for his Cub Pack #365 and seven wreaths were received the first year.
“The Oakdale Citizens Cemetery Board has now grown the program to cover all our Veterans’ graves. Almost 900 wreaths will be placed by volunteers,” said Cemetery Board Secretary Melinda Owen, noting that the volunteers will be out there – rain, shine … or cold.
“Cemetery staff sends many thanks to all supporters who sponsor or help with the program,” Owen added.
There is some handicapped parking on grounds, all others should park on surrounding streets and walk in. Limited seating available. Visitors will be assisted by Oakdale High School basketball team members and coaches who will also help with placing the boxes of wreaths throughout the grounds for distribution to volunteers for placement.
Attendees are reminded to dress warmly, and prepare for rain.
Owen also reiterated that it’s “never too late to sponsor a wreath” as it can be done all year; those that are interested in sponsoring a wreath can send a check to Wreaths Across America, c/o OCC, PO Box 600, Oakdale, CA 95361. Cost is $17 per wreath and sponsorships for multiple wreaths are welcome.
The cemetery receives $5 back for each wreath sponsored. Checks received that are dated between Dec. 15, 2024 and Jan. 14, 2025 are double matched by the Wreaths company, though a rebate is not included to a sponsoring organization.