LENEXA — The fourth-degree Knights of Columbus Council of Palms 6673 of Holy Trinity Parish here invites individuals, families, businesses and organizations to get involved in this year’s Wreaths across America observance at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa.
Donations are being accepted to sponsor the remembrance wreaths to be placed on veterans’ graves and resting places in the cemetery. A contribution of $17 will buy one wreath. Sponsorships must be received by Dec. 2. To donate online, go online to: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/KS0155P.
Volunteers are needed to help with placement of the wreaths and other duties on Dec. 13. To volunteer, sign up online at: https://htlenexa.flocknote.com/signup/227996.
On Dec. 13 at 11 a.m., there will be a special tribute to veterans during an outdoor ceremony, open to the public, at the Veterans Memorial, Resurrection Cemetery, located at 8300 Quivira Road. The 30-minute program will include presentation of the colors, an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, guest remarks, the laying of ceremonial wreaths, a benediction, retirement of the colors, a 21-gun salute and taps.
Following the program in observance of national Wreaths across America Day, volunteers will place an estimated 1,000 wreaths on the graves and resting places of veterans interred at Resurrection. When volunteers place a wreath on a service member’s grave, they are encouraged to speak that person’s name aloud, thank them for their service and sacrifice, and reflect on their lives.
“Special recognition goes to the Holy Trinity Knights of Columbus for taking the lead again this year with this special holiday initiative,” said Sharon Vallejo, president of Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas that operates and manages Resurrection and eight other cemeteries in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. “We appreciate the community partners involved, the donors, volunteers and those who join us for the ceremony. More people seem to get engaged in this project each year.”
National Wreaths across America Day has been held every December since 1992 (except for the two years of the pandemic). On this day, millions of volunteers across the country place sponsored wreaths at the final resting places of millions of veterans. This is the third year the Holy Trinity Knights have sought donations and coordinated the event in Lenexa.
For more information, contact J.D. Call by email at: Callj1995@gmail.com or call (913) 961-1450, or Ken Kleekamp by email at: kenkleekamp@gmail.com or call (913) 748-6321.
