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Saturday, Dec. 14, we celebrated a memorable National Wreaths Across America Day with over 4,909 locations participating nationwide and overseas. Our local events were coordinated to happen at the same time 3,000 volunteers place wreaths on every gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery. Detroit Lakes is the only location in west central Minnesota to participate in this world-wide event, so we can take special pride in honoring those who keep our nation free.

Once again, citizens of Detroit Lakes, Becker County White Earth, Moorhead and Fargo joined together in honoring our veterans, current service members and their families by five wreath ceremonies in Detroit Lakes, with events at Veterans Memorial Park, Grand Army of the Republic Park, World War II Memorial at Crovisier Park, the GAR Memorial and World War I Memorial at Oak Grove Cemetery, and Holy Rosary Cemetery.

Each year, since 2015, the Detroit Lakes, Becker County and White Earth communities and veterans groups have gathered to honor our veterans, National Guard, reserve and active-duty members and their families as part of the annual Wreaths Across America Day. This marked the ninth year our communities have participated.

While our events are small compared to events in our national cemeteries, they reflect the willingness of those in our community to honor those that defend our freedoms, regardless of the weather.

A special thank you to all who made this another successful year.

We couldn't have done it without you, and we are truly grateful.