Last month, the local Yellowstone Regional Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol laid more than 100 wreaths on the graves of area veterans.

Due to COVID-19-related restrictions, the Civil Air Patrol squadron placed the wreaths without a formal ceremony. However, they still laid 107 donated wreaths at Riverside Cemetery in Cody and one at Crown Hill Cemetery outside of Powell, following a specific request.

“Next year I hope to generate more interest in Crown Hill,” said Lt. Col. BJ Carlson, the commander of the Yellowstone Regional Composite Squadron.

The squadron participates in the Wreaths Across America program each year, helping to remember, honor and teach about veterans around the nation and locally in Park County.

In 2020, Wreaths Across America participants honored nearly 1.8 million veterans at 2,557 locations in the U.S.

“We hope to make that number increase by receiving more sponsorships here in Park County,” Carlson said.

The Yellowstone Regional Composite Squadron plans to formally lay the local wreaths on Dec. 18, 2021.

For each wreath sponsored by Jan. 15, Wreaths Across America will send two.

“If anyone wishes to sponsor a wreath,” Carlson said, “this is your chance to help us lay more wreaths on gravesites in Park County.”

To donate a wreath at Crown Hill Cemetery, visit www.bit.ly/2KXuBQm. To donate at Riverside Cemetery, visit www.bit.ly/2X6Fv8R.

For any questions, contact Carlson at capcommander@gmail.com or 307-762-3536.

The tradition of decorating the graves at Arlington National Cemetery with donated wreaths began in 1992. Last month marked the 13th year of the national Wreaths Across America campaign to bring the same remembrance wreaths to hundreds of national and state veterans cemeteries, monuments and capitols across the nation.

—By CJ Baker