From left, Crown Point Public Works Director Terry Ciciora and Crown Point Mayor Pete Land place a wreath on a grave at the Historic Maplewood Cemetery during the Wreaths Across America Ceremony on Dec. 17, 2022. (Photo credit: City of Crown Point)
In Crown Point, the Julia Watkins Brass Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the city will honor fallen heroes this weekend by placing wreaths on their graves at the historic Maplewood and Maplewood Memorial cemeteries. The Wreaths Across America Ceremony will begin at noon Saturday, December 16, 2023. The theme of this year’s program is, “Serve and Succeed.” Colors will be presented. Crown Point Councilman Andrew Kyres will deliver brief remarks, and Rev. John Starr will lead the opening and closing prayers.
“This is the fourth year the City of Crown Point and DAR have teamed up to honor our fallen heroes just in time for the holidays,” said Crown Point Mayor Pete Land. “This ceremony allows
us to slow down during such a busy season and acknowledge those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”
When the brief introductory ceremony concludes, volunteers will place fresh wreaths on the gravesites of fallen veterans. This year’s volunteers include the United States Naval Sea Cadets,
Stars and Stripes Division; members of the DAR; staff from Mission BBQ; Crown Point Boy Scout Troop No. 45; Munster Cub Scout Troop No. 236; American Legion Post 20; Disabled American
Veterans Chapter 80; and St. Mary Elementary School from Griffith.
Anyone is welcome to volunteer to place wreaths. “Giving of oneself for veterans, church or community is the best way to honor those who came before, those who are currently serving or will serve in the future,” said Karen Aldrich, Wreaths Across America Location Co-Coordinator for the DAR.
The City of Crown Point is one of more than 4,000 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad, participating in the 2023 Wreaths Across America program.
