Wreaths for veterans to mark second year at Steptoe

Memorial wreaths will be placed on graves of veterans buried in the Bethel Cemetery at Steptoe Dec. 14 as part of the national Wreaths Across America observance. This will be the second year of the observance at Steptoe.

The cost to sponsor a wreath on a grave is $15. This money is due by Veteran's Day, Nov. 11., allowing enough time for the wreaths to be ordered and shipped for the ceremony.

Unlike last year's ceremony, this year families who purchase a wreath to honor a family member buried at Bethel Cemetery will be able to place the wreath on the grave of their veteran. Last year, Steptoe school kids put the wreaths out on the veterans' graves.

The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember fallen US veterans, honor those who served and teach children the value of freedom.

Many of those that are buried have no family to remember them. At the ceremony, volunteers will gather to say the names out loud of those veterans so they are never forgotten.

Sponsorship money may be turned in to Bethel Cemetery, P.O. Box 76, Steptoe.

To learn more about sponsoring a wreath or about the ceremony contact Cherry Alice Van Tine at 509 397-2745 or Jim Lemon at 509-595-5006.