ROCHELLE – Wreaths Across America, a national program that aims to honor America’s veterans, took place Sunday afternoon and many members of the community came out to show their support.

The ceremony took place Sunday at 2 p.m. at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery. It began with the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Girl Scout Troop 1168, the National Anthem performed by Daughters of the American Revolution member Debbie Katzman and a presentation of opening remarks.

Following the opening remarks was the presentation of the wreathes for each of the branches of the military.

“We had wreath laying for each of the branches of the armed forces with either a veteran from that branch or someone such as a family member of a veteran representing that branch,” explained Lydia Roberts, vice reagent of the daughters of the American revolution Rochelle Chapter.

Pictured, Paul Davis, PVT United States Marine, salutes the wreath laid in honor of the United States Marine Corps.

During the ceremony, Rochelle mayor John Bearrows gave a small speech and a moment of silence was taken to remember each of the veterans in the cemetery. To end the ceremony everyone in attendance joined together in a closing prayer led by Reverend Ruben Herrera, of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, followed by the playing of Taps.

After closing the ceremony, family members of the veterans in the cemetery laid their wreaths, followed by anyone in attendance who volunteered. Wreaths were placed on the veteran’s grave and their name read out loud.

A total of 150 wreaths were laid on the graves of veterans to honor them and their service. The DAR believe that there could still be even more veterans in the cemetery that were either unmarked or missed during the identification process.

The Wreaths Across America program aims to honor veterans of the past, present and future.

“One thing that was really neat representing the past, present and the future. We had a World War II veteran from the Army Air Corps lay the Air Force Wreath,” added Roberts. “Then we had retired veterans laying some of the wreaths, a brand new active duty marine that just graduated from boot camp [on Friday] and then we had a young man in Boy Scout troop 553 lay a wreath to represent the future.”

A wreath was also placed in honor of all the veterans who have been declared prisoners of war or missing in action.

The Daughters of the American Revolution said that the amount of support they felt from the community was a heartwarming experience.

“It was quite amazing how the whole community first of all helped in purchasing the wreaths and then second of all coming out to place the wreaths and take part in the ceremony. It was a really heartwarming thing to see the community so involved,” expressed Roberts.

This is an annual event that takes place across the country and the Wreaths Across America Organization is already getting ready for next year. From now through Jan. 15, 2020 when someone purchases a wreath, the organization will match the amount of that purchase. Wreaths can be purchased for $15 each by visiting Wreathsacrossamerica.org/IL0136P.