Tenth Annual Wreaths Across America Day in Detroit Lakes - December 20

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 4,900 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad, including in Detroit Lakes/Becker County/White Earth (the only locations in west central Minnesota).

Each year, since 2015, the Detroit Lakes Community and Veterans Groups gather to honor our Veterans, National Guard, Reserve and Active-Duty Members and their Families as part of the annual Wreaths Across America Day.

This year events begin at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Detroit Lakes (Hwy 10 and Washington Avenue) starting at 11 AM. The events are open to all ages and are free. They are held outside.

Five different sites have been selected for honoring those who serve/served and their families including Veterans Memorial Park, Grand Army of the Republic Park, the World War II Memorial at Crovisier Park at the Detroit Boys and Girls Club, Oak Grove and Holy Rosary cemeteries.

At each location, a brief ceremony will be held with "The Colonel" Tom Mortenson leading the event and providing historical information on each location.

Each year Detroit Lakes/Becker County/White Earth honor all our Nation’s Armed Forces in these events with references to each service.

However.one unique volunteer organization that served in the Spanish American War (April 21 – December 10, 1898) the Rough Riders and the MN 13tg Infantry will be honored.

The Rough Riders was the name given to the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry under the leadership of Theodore Roosevelt who campaigned in Detroit Lakes for President and lived in North Dakota near Medora before becoming President.

According to Dr. Mortenson, this year will feature a First US Volunteer Regiment flag added to the large wreath at Veteran’s Memorial Park to honor these vets and a special message will be given to honor them.

Local Wreaths Across America events are sponsored by The Tom and Pam Mortenson Fund and DL Women’s Relief Corps.

More information can be found at: https://wreathsacrossamerica.o...