ALTON – Each year, one of the most meaningful events in the region is the Alton Wreaths Across America Ceremony coordinated by Margaret Hopkins. This year for the 17th time, Alton marked the special occasion at Alton National Cemetery.
An abundance of people attended this year’s event and several youth participated in the ceremony. A feature story will appear about the youth participation at Wreaths Across America and also a special interview with 100-year-old World War II Art Williams, who received special recognition this year.
Chaplain Bernie Caldwell did the invocation and the USAF – ROTC Color Guard at Alton High posted colors, followed by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Deborah Maneke.
Hopkins said she was very pleased with the overall participation on a cold and rainy day and the attendance showed the importance of the ceremony.
“We were so appreciative people came despite the bad weather,” Hopkins said. “I was overwhelmed with the number of people that came with the …