By: Ryan Duey

Every year Wreaths Across America (WAA) in Kansas looks to local sponsorship groups to help lay wreaths to honor veterans in their communities that have passed.  The local Nathan Edson Chapter DAR, serving Clay and Cloud Counties, is honored to take on this duty.

The Nathan Edson Chapter DAR, honored as a top-five sponsorship group in 2023, will hold its annual wreath-laying ceremony in Clay Center’s Greenwood Cemetery on Saturday, December 14th, at 11:00 a.m.  

Jeanna Walters-Fancella, Location Coordinator, said there are approximately 1,200 veterans laid to rest in the cemetery, and they always try to be sure that all veterans are honored with a wreath every year.

“In 2017, we decided that we would start sponsoring wreaths for the Clay Center Greenwood Cemetery. After that third year, we have been able to get enough wreaths that every veteran at Greenwood has received a wreath since then.”

Thanks to the DAR’s efforts and generous sponsors all 1,200 veterans will be honored again this year. Fancella said the youth in the community are encouraged to participate in the Wreath Laying.

“The mission is to remember our fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the young people about the value of freedom. So, the young people in the community are always encouraged to come and participate and help us lay wreaths to honor our veterans.”

The ceremony is open to the public and anyone is welcome to meet the DAR at the cemetery to participate in honoring the many veterans laid to rest in Clay Center.