The Historical and Preservation Society of Wellsville is working with Wreaths Across America to honor the veterans interned in the Wellsville Cemetery. 

The company that started this program is owned and operated by Morrill Worcester. In 1992, he found himself with a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the season. With the assistance of Senator Olympia Snowe, arrangements were made to place the surplus wreaths at Arlington Cemetery in one of the older sections. As plans were underway, organizations stepped up to assist in the transport and placing of the wreaths. In 2005, a photo of headstones at Arlington, adorned with wreaths and covered in snow, circulated around the internet and went viral. Suddenly, thousands of requests poured in from all over the country to be able to participate in this activity. There’s information about this organization and its story at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/

The organization in Wellsville is holding this event on December 13, which is the same day it is held all over the U.S. and in some countries outside of the US. Letters have been sent to the interned veteran’s family to purchase a wreath for $17 to have placed on their grave. They are also selling military quality personalized dog tags for $18 a set to help purchase wreaths for those veterans that may no longer have family. Presently there are 381 veterans spanning from the Civil War to present day. Anyone who would be interested in assisting the organization in reaching their goal of having all veterans recognized can purchase dog tags or make a monetary donation at https://www.facebook.com/WellsvilleHistorical.

Donations can be mailed to HPSWM, 509 N. 3rd St., Wellsville, MO 63384. All purchases and donations must be received no later than November 28th. Any questions, please call 636-575-0073.

It is suggested that visitors may want to view the cemetery prior to coming to the ceremony that evening. It will be held at 5 p.m. in Reed Park on Hudson Street in Wellsville. There will be a reading of all the veterans in the cemetery as well as any veterans who purchased dog tags whether they are active or inactive. During the ceremony, VFW 3056 will present the flags, the Wellsville-Middletown High School students will provide the singing and refreshments will be available. Bring a lawn chair and join the Wellsville community in honoring the veterans this Christmas season.