Hundreds gather for Wreaths Across America

Corey Murray, Hillsdale Daily News
·1 min read
TJ Korotzer, a U.S. Marine veteran, renders a salute after placing a wreath on a veteran's grave at Oak Grove Cemetery Saturday.
TJ Korotzer, a U.S. Marine veteran, renders a salute after placing a wreath on a veteran's grave at Oak Grove Cemetery Saturday.

HILLSDALE — Hundreds gathered Saturday, Dec. 17, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsdale for Wreaths Across America.

Dr. Peter Jennings, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Hillsdale College professor, shares the story of a veteran laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsdale.
Dr. Peter Jennings, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Hillsdale College professor, shares the story of a veteran laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsdale.

After a short ceremony organized by Hillsdale Civil Air Patrol Commander Heather Tritchka-Stuchell which included speeches by Hillsdale College Associate Dean of Men Jeff Rogers, a retired Navy chief petty officer, and Dr. Peter Jennings, a Hillsdale College professor and U.S. Marine Corps officer, the crowds disbursed to lay a wreath on every veteran's grave in the cemetery.

Hillsdale's Civil Air Patrol cadets, Boy Scouts, veterans and community members alike each took part in the wreath laying, rendering a hand salute at each veteran's grave and taking a moment to read their name.

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The mission of Wreaths Across America is to Remember, Honor and Teach. Osseo residents Greg and Dianne Paul, members of the Leighr A. Wright American Legion Post 53 first brought the program to Hillsdale in 2022 and worked tirelessly all year to fundraise, spread awareness and gather support for the day.

The Pauls are hoping to be able to expand beyond Oak Grove and Lake View cemeteries in 2024 where over 1,000 wreaths were laid.

— Contact Reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @cmurrayHDN.

This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Hundreds gather for Wreaths Across America