LAKEPORT – On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 9 a.m., seven Christmas wreaths will be placed at Veterans Circle at Hartley Cemetery in Lakeport.

The wreaths will be placed at the base of the flag poles that represent the five branches of our military, the POWs and Merchant Marines. Hartley Cemetery is located at 2552 Hill Road East, Lakeport.

At that exact moment, wreaths will be placed all across America and other countries at military cemeteries and U.S. ships at sea.

Wreaths Across America began more than 15 years ago, when the Worcester Wreath Co. began a tradition of placing wreaths on the headstones of our nations fallen heros at Arlington National Cemetery during the holidays.

Since then Worcester Wreaths has donated 90,000 wreaths, which were placed by volunteers in ceremonies each December.

Last year at 286 participating locations – including Hartley Cemetery – 32,553 wreathes were placed on headstones of those who served and sacrificed for our freedoms.

As the word spread the mission to remember the fallen, honor those who served and teach our children the value of freedom, has captured the hearts and minds of many communities across this country.

The local ceremony was started in 2007 by the sole efforts of Lakeport resident Slick Hultquist and his wife, Sandy Hultquist.

Lake County residents are invited to take part in the second annual “Remember, Honor and Teach.” All Lake County youth organizations are invited to take part in the Saturday ceremony. Arrive between 8 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.

If you would like to sponsor a wreath to be placed at next year's ceremonies or if you wish to donate to the Lakeport Wreaths Across America, purchase handheld flags for the children for next years’ ceremony, contact Slick Hultquist at 263-6238.

Groups interested in the wreath company's fundraising program should visit www.wreaths-across-america.org.

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