Pictures and Article by Chuck Seaver, South Lake Tablet
The 6th Annual Wreaths Across America ceremony was held December 17th at Oak Hill Cemetery, Clermont. The annual ceremony was organized by Trish Gardner, Regional Representative of Wreaths Across America (WAA). Gardner began organizing the program six years ago with a handful of volunteers and an unyielding determination of making the program a success for South Lake County’s heroes and their families.
The program has since grown to include non-profit organizations that help sponsor wreaths and spread the mission statement of the WAA. The program now includes the Clermont Battalion Sea Cadet Corps, the Boy Scouts of America, the American Legion Post 55, the Kiwanis Club of Clermont and dozens of individual volunteers that advocate for the program year-round.
A total of four hundred ninety-one veterans and first 
responder’s resting sites were recognized with the placement of a fresh cut wreath that is assembled and decorated with a cut red ribbon and then transported by truck to area locations from Harrington, Maine. The wreaths will remain in place until January 2023.
responder’s resting sites were recognized with the placement of a fresh cut wreath that is assembled and decorated with a cut red ribbon and then transported by truck to area locations from Harrington, Maine. The wreaths will remain in place until January 2023. “The organization’s mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach about those who have sacrificed so much for the love of country,” says Gardner. Please visit wreathsacrossamerica.org for further volunteer and wreath sponsorship opportunities.
