(Crystal Lake, IL) For the first time in Crystal Lake, wreaths will be placed on the headstones of 30 Gold Star Veterans as a part of Wreaths Across America. William Chandler Peterson American Legion Post 171 of Crystal Lake has partnered with VFW Post 12014, Veterans Path to Hope and the City of Crystal Lake to remember, honor and teach. 

The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Union Cemetery at 150 West Woodstock Street on Saturday, Dec. 14. Post Commander Charlie Morgan will welcome the public and families. He will remind the audience that millions of Americans are gathering as one nation on this day to Remember, Honor and Teach. 

Crystal Lake Mayor Haig Haleblian will briefly address the audience.

After recognition of Gold Star families, there will be a bell rung and the name of each of the 30 Veterans killed in conflict will be spoken aloud with a moment to thank them for their service to our country. Boy Scout Troop #165 will assist in placing the wreaths. 

Morrill Worcester of Harrington, Maine, was a 12-year-old paperboy when he won a trip to Washington, D.C. Arlington National Cemetery made an indelible impression on him that followed him throughout his life and successful career as a wreath maker. It reminded him that his good fortune was due, in large part, to the values of this nation and the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

In 1992, Mr. Worcester had a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. Remembering his boyhood experience at Arlington, Worcester realized he had an opportunity to honor our country’s veterans. With the aid of former Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington in one of the older sections of the cemetery.

In 2007, the Worcester family, along with veterans and other groups and individuals who had helped with their annual veteran’s wreath ceremony in Arlington, formed Wreaths Across America, a non-profit 501c (3) organization. The yearlong mission of the organization is simple: REMEMBER the fallen. HONOR those who serve. TEACH the next generation the value of freedom.

In 2023, Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers placed over 3 million veterans’ wreaths at 4,225 participating locations in the United States and beyond. 

To learn more about William Chandler Peterson American Legion Post 171 Crystal Lake, visit www.LegionCrystalLake171.org