Dec. 16—OREGON — Hail and freezing rain couldn’t keep volunteers from laying wreaths on veterans’ graves at Daysville Cemetery Saturday as part of the nationwide Wreaths Across America.
“Thank you everyone for coming today despite the cold and rain,” said Laurie Perry, regent of the Rochelle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, who coordinated the event with help from Oregon VFW Post 8739.
Saturday’s rain mirrored the 2023 event, with about 25 volunteers gathering at the cemetery along Daysville Road at 2:30 p.m., despite ice-covered roads and a steady, cold rain.
Perry spoke briefly about the Wreaths Across America program, noting that Saturday’s event was part of a national effort to honor local veterans by placing wreaths at their graves.
“The United States of America was founded on the ideals of liberty and justice. We stand as a beacon of liberty and freedom to the world,” Perry said. “We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free and we will never forget that. Today, more than ever, we reflect on our nation’s veterans and active-duty military personnel who protect the innocent and the oppressed.
“Today we stand together in a united front of gratitude and respect in the United States of America as we remember the fallen, honor those who served and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
The wreaths were made possible by donations.
Ceremonial wreaths were first placed to honor all military services: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force – as well as the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, Prisoners of War/MIAs, and Unknown Soldiers.
Volunteers dressed in raincoats and some carrying umbrellas then spread throughout the cemetery to place wreaths at each grave, pre-marked with American flags.
Jim Devine of Dixon was among the volunteers who braved the elements to place the wreaths. Devine served in the Navy. Other area veterans who laid wreaths included Jim Potts, Don Stevens and Dan Reimer of Oregon and Gary Burgess of Dixon.
“My wife is a member of the DAR,” Burgess said as he laid a wreath on the grave of a Civil War veteran.
According to Saturday’s program, 207 veterans are buried at the Daysville Cemetery, located five miles southeast of Oregon on Daysville Road.
The DAR website states: “When each veteran’s wreath is placed by a volunteer, we ask that they ‘say their name’ to ensure that the legacy of duty, service and sacrifice is never forgotten.”
Wreaths Across America Day, held annually in December, also includes a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, among other locations in all 50 states. All wreaths are provided through donations.
According to a Wreaths Across America website: “In 2022, Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers placed more than 2.7 million sponsored veteran wreaths on headstones of our nation’s service members at 3,702 participating locations. This was accomplished with the support of more than 5,000 sponsor groups, contributions from companies and in-kind donations from the transport sector throughout the country.
“The wreath-laying ceremony that began more than thirty years ago is still held annually, on the second or third Saturday in December. WAA’s annual pilgrimage from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery has become known as ‘the largest veterans’ parade in the world.’ Each year, the convoy of trucks, local law enforcement, staff and supporters along the way stops at schools, monuments, veterans homes and communities to talk about the Wreaths Across America mission and remind people of the importance of remembering, honoring and educating .”
For information or to donate for the December 13, 2025 event, visit Rochelle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution or contact Perry at laurieannperry@hotmail.com.
Perry said two new locations will be added soon – Woodlawn Cemetery in Creston and Palmyra Cemetery in Dixon.
