Donations being sought for Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America ceremonies are scheduled throughout Clinton County on Dec. 19. Donations are being sought for the wreaths.    With the Wreaths Across America ceremonies throughout the county set for Saturday, Dec. 19, area communities are beginning the process of seeking donations.
    Communities having ceremonies this year include Bartelso, Beaver Prairie, Beckemeyer, Carlyle, Germantown and Hoffman.
    Germantown will have a ceremony for a third straight year at St. Boniface Cemetery. The event is put on by the Germantown American Legion, Sons of the Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary.
    Every veteran, Gold Star Mother and Gold Star Wife will have a wreath placed on their grave in remembrance of their service and sacrifice.
    Wreaths are $17, and $5 of every wreath purchased is applied to the purchase of an additional wreath. A monetary donation also can be made, if desired.
    Forms are available throughout Germantown and on the Village of Germantown Facebook page. Those wanting to donate are asked to complete the form and mail it, along with a check payable to the Germantown Legion Auxiliary, to Cathy Rakers, 1006 A St., Germantown, IL 62245.
    For questions, call Rakers at 618-541-8353.
    Beckemeyer will have a ceremony for the second straight year with ceremonies at both St. Anthony's Cemetery and Beckemeyer Public Cemetery.
    The Beckemeyer Legion Post 1227, Sons of the Legion and Ladies Auxiliary will be leading the ceremony efforts.
    Wreaths are $17 each and $5 of every wreath purchased is applied to the purchase of an additional wreath.
    Organizers are asking people to consider purchasing an extra wreath or making a donation for veterans with no family to sponsor them. There will be a wreath placed on the tombstone of every veteran and Gold Star Mother in Beckemeyer.
    Forms are available throughout Beckemeyer or at www.beckemeyeril.gov.
    Forms are to be completed and mailed, along with a check payable to Legion Post 1227, to: Beckemeyer Legion, P.O. Box 116, Beckemeyer, IL 62219. Forms also can be dropped off in Beckemeyer at the American Legion (391 Louis St.) or the Village Hall (191 E. First St.).
    For questions, call John or Karen Mazeka at 618-578-7473 or 618-210-5289.
    Wreaths Across America ceremoies also will be held in Bartelso at St. Cecilia's Parish Cemetery, Beaver Prairie at St. Felicitas Cemetery, Carlyle at Carlyle City Cemetery and St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, and Hoffman at Hoffman Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery.