On Saturday, Dec. 14, Glendale Cemetery in Washington will host its 12th annual Wreaths Across America ceremony to honor the 724 military members laid to rest there. (Photo courtesy of American Legion Post 100)

On Dec.  14, when the fresh wreaths are placed on the 754 veteran’s graves at Glendale Cemetery 224 will be sponsored by the American Heritage Girls Club of Morton.

Every December, more than 1,600 cemeteries nationwide participate in Wreaths Across America Days to honor and remember the nation’s military fallen from the Revolutionary War until current day.

Numerous overseas locations participate, and all ceremonies are held simultaneously with the laying of the wreaths at Arlington National Ceremony.

“Each wreath is $15, and we have the girls go door-to-door for sponsorships, and they use Facebook and social networks also,” club leader Megan Stevenart said. “Our motto is ‘Cherish my family, honor my country and serve my community’, and Wreaths Across America shows our girls that connection by honoring soldiers who’ve passed away.”

Along with the sponsored wreaths, seven additional wreaths are donated to each location by Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine. Six represent a branch of the U.S. armed services, and one is dedicated to the POW/MIA contingency. The seven are placed by local veterans.

Former City of Washington alderman Carol Moss established Glendale Cemetery as a ceremonial location with Wreaths Across America while serving as city clerk. The ceremony was first held in 2008.

Moss’ father and three of her uncles were World War II veterans. Four of her brothers served in the Vietnam War and her brother-in-law was a Korean War veteran.

Washington Mayor Gary Manier will emcee Saturday’s ceremony, which commences at 11 a.m. The City of Washington, Washington American Legion Post 100 and Walker-Danforth VFW Post 9016 in Washington are hosting the event. Glendale Cemetery is located east of Candlewood Park on Oakwood Lane.

American Heritage Girls (AHG) was founded by a group of parents wanting a faith-based, scout-type character development program for their daughters in 1995. The AHG Program is dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.

AHG girls across the nation and the globe participate in badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences, all with an emphasis on Christian values and family involvement.

There are AHG troops in every state and in 15 countries around the world through the Trailblazer Program.

A variety of Christian denominations are also represented as Charter Organizations for Troops.