The annual Wreaths Across America ceremony in Kalispell has been canceled this year due to fundraising challenges, organizers announced Monday.

Lt. Daniel Dorsett Sr., the Flathead Composite Squadron Commander of the Civil Air Patrol, said the squadron was unable to raise money to purchase wreaths for veterans’ graves through boot drives or private donations due to COVID-19 changes.

He said canceling the event was a difficult decision.

“I am a disabled combat veteran and honoring our veterans is not something I take lightly,” Dorsett said in a media release, “but in light of the hardship of our great community and the loss of employment of so many, I did not feel right in exposing the cadets to COVID-19 or ask struggling families in our community to give.” 

Instead of individual wreaths, the group will be placing large wreaths at three local cemeteries and at the Veterans Memorial at Depot Park in Kalispell.

Dorsett noted that last year cadets raised over $17,000 for the wreath ceremony.

“Unfortunately, we come up around 2,500 wreaths short each year,” Dorsett added. “Our goal is to honor each and every veteran by placing a wreath on their headstone. Our goal next year, is to be back doing our boot drives and raising the extra money to do just that.”

He said the fundraising goal for 2021 will be $55,000.  

People who have questions or would like to donate to Wreaths Across America should contact Bob Schneller, Wreaths Across America Volunteer, at 714-815-8243 or cappilot@charter.net.

The annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Montana Veteran’s Home will take place on Saturday, Dec. 19, starting at 10 a.m.

Glacier Chapter - Sons of the American Revolution and the Montana Veterans Home host this annual celebration. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the entire ceremony will take place outside at the Montana Veterans Home Cemetery. The ceremony will be abbreviated this year, but the celebration to honor the nation’s veterans will still proceed.

Ceremonial wreaths honoring all branches of the military plus POW/MIAs will take place before wreath placement on the graves of 600 veterans.

Come prepared to stay warm and wear a mask. It should be easy to social distance at the cemetery.