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Wreaths Across America

AVERY HOWE | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years AGO
by AVERY HOWE
Photographer | December 20, 2023 1:00 AM

Thanks to community donations, Wreaths Across America was able to provide a wreath for every headstone at Montana Veterans Home Cemetery, with volunteers, veterans and community members gathering to celebrate the season and those who have served on Saturday, Dec. 16.

As part of the ceremony, speeches were given by honored speaker Bill Whitsitt and Wreaths Across America Location Coordinator Steve Armstrong, the Columbia Falls High School Sonifers performed, and Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Yaphet Jones played “Taps.” Ceremony chaplain was Father Sean Raftis. Denise Holm, Emily Hackethorn and Lori Alsbury were presented the Sons of the American Revolution Martha Washington Medal for their service to veterans. 

Volunteers then gathered at the cemetery, honoring every veteran resting there with a wreath. 

    Kathryn Price stops to take a photo of all of the wreaths placed in Montana Veterans Home Cemetery by Wreaths Across America volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 16. (Avery Howe photo)
 Avery Howe 
 
 
    Emily Hackethorn accepts the Sons of the American Revolution Martha Washington Medal from Glacier Chapter President Steve Armstrong during the Wreaths Across America event at Montana Veterans Home on Saturday, Dec. 16. Also honored for their service to the veteran community were Denise Holm and Lori Alsbury. (Avery Howe photo)
 Avery Howe 
 
 
    Wreaths Across America volunteers Sonya Ryan Graham, Tammy Winnie, Sherri Carter, Laurie Roberts and Denise Berta Holm pose for a photo after decorating the headstones at Montana Veterans Home Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 16. (Avery Howe photo)
 Avery Howe 
 
 
    Isabella Aguilar and veteran Gene Brainerd mount a holiday wreath in honor of those who served during the Wreaths Across America event at Montana Veterans Home on Saturday, Dec. 16. (Avery Howe photo)
 Avery Howe 
 
 
    Carter and Madison Kammerzell place wreaths over the graves at Montana Veterans Home Cemetery with the Wreaths Across America program on Saturday, Dec. 16. (Avery Howe photo)
 Avery Howe 
 
 


    Bill Whitsitt gives a speech on veteran service, including his own family’s history, as part of the Wreaths Across America celebration at Montana Veterans Home on Saturday, Dec. 16. (Avery Howe photo)
 Avery Howe 
 
 
    Montana Veterans Home coordinator Denise Holm gives Annie Carver a high-five after helping veteran James Hux hang his wreath during Wreaths Across America event on Saturday, Dec. 16. (Avery Howe photo)
 Avery Howe 
 
 
    Volunteers place wreaths on every grave at the Montana Veterans Home cemetery thanks to the Wreaths Across America program on Saturday, Dec. 16. (Avery Howe photo)
 Avery Howe 
 
 


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