Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
ALTON — At 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, Wreaths Across America held its 19th annual ceremony at Alton National Cemetery, 600 Pearl Street, to remember fallen veterans, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom (Photos by Mike Cruz). The event centers on laying Veteran Balsam wreaths on 560 graves, an effort carried out by children and veterans alike.
The temps were low 12-13 degrees at 11 a.m. but that didn't stop the young or older adults from carrying on the mission to lay the wreaths on the gravesides at National Cemetery.
This year’s theme, “KEEP MOVING FORWARD,” reflected the resilience required to overcome challenges faced by individuals, communities, and the nation. Organizers emphasize the importance of continuing together with purpose despite adversity.
Wreaths Across America began as a grassroots effort and has expanded to over 5,000 locations nationally and internationally. The Alton event relies on hundreds of volunteers and donations each year. Participants include the Illinois Patriot Guard, Argosy Casino, VFW Post 1308, Alton High School ROTC, Ignite Youth Chorus, students from East Elementary School, the Williams Family Dove Release, and buglers from Alton High School, among others.
Margaret Hopkins, the event organizer, described this year’s ceremony as one of the coldest in Alton’s history but noted strong attendance and commitment from volunteers.
“It ranks up with the coldest ones. It was just cold, but the wind was too not bad,” she said. "It was, overall, a very memorable event once again."
The event features multiple elements, including a sabre team and ceremonial wreaths carried by ROTC members, a memorial bell rung in honor of fallen veterans, and performances by the Ignite Youth Choral group, which sang “The Anthem” and “God Bless America.” Hopkins highlighted the importance of involving younger generations in the ceremony.
“If we don’t have them, we would be missing the boat,” she said. “Remembering and honoring is important, but if we don’t teach kids, it’s very important to have them willing to participate.”
Among the attendees was World War II veteran Art Williams, 102, who placed a wreath on row one. This year’s ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Lt. Bob Ryan, who recently died. His family will receive an Air Force memorial wreath to place on his grave.
Hopkins acknowledged that the committee organizing the event is aging, with members ranging from their 70s to 90s, and called for younger volunteers to step forward.
“There will come a point we can’t do it anymore,” she said. “We are more than willing to have some younger people step up, and shadow now, but eventually take it over. Nineteen years is a long time.”
Those interested in volunteering or learning more about the event are encouraged to call 618-570-8804.
Hopkins also recalled a conversation between a veteran and a student about the cold weather, where the student remarked, “It may be cold, but I know you all have been in worse conditions.” She said moments like that make the annual Wreaths Across America effort worthwhile.
