On Dec. 18 a group of five members from the Red Wing Civil Air Patrol Squadron placed several hundred wreaths on gravestones at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

During this year's National Wreaths Across America observance, more than two million dedicated volunteers placed more than 2.4 million veterans' wreaths at 3,136 participating locations across the country. At Arlington National Cemetery specifically, the Wreaths Across America program saw 66 tractor-trailers deliver over 250,000 veterans' wreaths that were placed by nearly 38,000 volunteers, many of whom were children, some participating for the first time. Remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve, and teach your children the value of freedom.

As one of Wreaths Across America's first partners, CAP has been actively fundraising for the program since 2006. Potential to expand what was then a small program begun by the Worcester Wreath Company by the thousands of service- minded CAP members across America. More and more participate every year — obtaining wreath sponsorships from the public, laying wreaths and conducting ceremonies to mark the day with pomp, circumstance and patriotism.

To sponsor a wreath at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery for the Dec. 17, 2022 ceremony go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.or g. Choose Local Sponsorship Group, choose Number of Wreaths to Sponsor and Select Group To Support-Add MN 0012P/20241 Submitted Captain Brenda Carlstrom, Red Wing Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron MN 0012P/20241, Public Affairs Officer