Boy Scouts to Place Wreaths at Vets' Gravesites

As wreaths are simultaneously laid on the graves of American veterans at more than 300 national and state cemeteries Dec. 11, Boy Scout Troop 181 of Downers Grove will be placing dozens more at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.

"It's a way of honoring the vets who sacrificed everything for us. It's a way to honor them for their sacrifices," said Debbie Smothers, who is the local volunteer coordinator for Wreaths Across America, which describes its mission as Remember, Honor and Teach. 

Troop 181 has an impressive reputation for community service. The 15-member troop was recognized by the Des Plaines Valley Council for donating more than 4,000 service hours last year; that's almost half of the total for the entire Council, which is comprised of 46 communities.

"The kids understand that they need to look out for their fellow man," said Kevin Krause of Downers Grove, committee chair/advancement chair for the troop.

At least partly because of its sponsorship by the Downers Grove VFW 503, the troop is deeply committed to veteran-related programs.  The boys visit vets at Hines VA Hospital, put in hundreds of hours helping with Diveheart's military wounded scuba-diving program, and help with events at the VFW.

They also work regularly with Operation Care Package, which collects items that are then sent as care packages to American troops. Working with veterans and the troops has great meaning to the boys. "The guys understand from start to finish," said Krause. "It's almost full circle that they see."

Wreaths Across America started at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 and has gradually taken on impetus since pictures of it hit the Internet in 2005.  Smothers, who has been the coordinator at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery for the past three years, has witnessed its astounding growth. The first time she visited the event, four years ago, she said there were approximately 30 people present with about 40 wreaths. 

This year is expected to draw hundreds of attendees and sponsor more than 2,000 wreaths. "My hope is that someday we can get a wreath donated for every grave," she said. There are 25,000 veterans dating as far back as the Civil War buried at Abraham Lincoln, with approximately 17 more burials each day.

Each wreath sponsored through Wreaths Across America is designated for a specific grave. Approximately 700 of the wreaths are for vets determined by the cemetery as having no known family.

"Every one of those gets a wreath," Smothers said. "The kids come down and are given a map with the veteran's name and section and site. They find the grave and place a wreath on it."

Prior to laying the wreaths, there will be a ceremony with a placement of a wreath for each of the branches of the armed services as well as one for MIA/POW.  "Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery will someday be one of the biggest national cemeteries in the U.S." said Smothers. "It's beautiful. And such a big honor to be out there to lay a wreath on a grave of someone that has served."

Twenty-one year old Zachary Krause of Downers Grove has been involved with Troop 181 since he was 11.  He is now an adult leader. The troop's strong focus on service to veterans is important to him. "I like trying to give back," he said. "They went and fought for us and protected our country. This is a way to give back and say 'thank you' and show that we are still thinking about them and caring."

Donations for 2011 Wreaths Across America or for Operation Care Package can be sent to Debbie Smothers at 611 Wilcox Street, Joliet, IL 60435