Every year during the holiday season the Yellowstone Regional Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol (YRCS) strives to remember deceased veterans in Cody and Powell. This is accomplished by placing wreaths furnished by the Wreaths Across America, a national effort to honor, remember and teach about the sacrifices these veterans have made.

Wreaths Across America started with the Worcester Company donating extra holiday wreaths to Arlington Cemetery. Now, across the nation various groups do the same. Last year, 2.7 million wreaths were placed at over 3,700 cemeteries.

Locally, YRCS sponsors veterans’ gravesites at Crown Hill Cemetery in Powell and Riverside Cemetery in Cody. Between the two cemeteries there are over 1,500 veterans laid to rest. Community help is needed to place as many wreaths as possible in order to honor their lives and sacrifices.

Donations are appreciated and needed. Donors can visit the Wreaths Across America website and purchase wreaths online. Wreaths are $17, and if purchased before the Nov. 28 can be guaranteed to be delivered in time for the ceremony and wreath laying on Dec. 16. Donors can go to this link: wreathsacrossamerica.org/WY0005P At the bottom of the page there are links to both cemeteries. Grave specific requests are available. Donors can also purchase a wreath by contacting Lt. Col. BJ Carlson at capcommander@gmail.com or at 307-762-3536.

At 9 a.m. Dec. 16 there will be a remembrance ceremony at Absaroka Senior Living, 2401 Cougar Avenue in Cody. Ceremonial wreaths will be presented for the various branches of the military. The ceremony will be followed by laying the donated wreaths at Riverside Cemetery at 10 a.m. and Crown Hill Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend all of the events.

Thank you in advance for all of your assistance. With community support many veterans will be remembered.