J Romano Business

Veterans remembered with wreaths Saturday

Veteran Dick Buchanan helps place wreaths on graves in Greenhill Cemetery in Columbia City on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
435 wreaths were sponsored this year in Whitley County. Organizers hope to find sponsors for 2000 wreaths in 2024.
A lone bagpiper’s tune adds to the somber tone in Greenhill Cemetery Saturday.
Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel provides remarks during the wreath dedication ceremony.
State Representative Chris Judy, a veteran, participated in the dedication ceremony and later placed a wreath on the grave of former Gov. Ralph Gates.
US Army veteran Jim Schrader salutes after placing a wreath on a veteran’s grave in Greenhill Cemetery Saturday afternoon.

(The Hoot photos provided) On Saturday afternoon, following a brief ceremony in Greenhill Cemetery, more than 400 evergreen wreaths tied with crimson velvet ribbons were placed on the graves of veterans.

The wreaths were sponsored by businesses, organizations and local residents as part of Wreaths Across America, a project spearheaded locally by veteran Gary Bird for the first time this year.