Rain, ice fail to stop Sauk Valley volunteers from honoring veterans

OREGON – Sleet and freezing rain failed to deter volunteers from laying wreaths on the graves of veterans at Daysville Cemetery on Saturday as part of the nationwide Wreaths Across America.

“Thank you all for coming today despite the cold and the rain, again,” said Laurie Perry, regent of the Rochelle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, who coordinated the event with help from Oregon VFW Post 8739.

Saturday’s rain mirrored the 2023 event with around 25 volunteers meeting at the cemetery along Daysville Road at 2:30 p.m., despite ice-covered roads and a steady, cold rain.

Perry spoke briefly about the Wreaths Across America program, noting that Saturday’s event was part of a national effort to honor local veterans by placing wreaths at their graves.

“The United States of America was founded on the ideals of freedom and justice. We stand as a beacon of liberty and freedom to the world,” Perry said. “We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free and we shall never forget. Today more than ever we reflect on our nation’s veterans and active duty service members who stand to protect the innocent and the oppressed.

“Today we show a united front of gratitude and respect across the United States of America as we remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.”

The wreaths were provided through donations.

Ceremonial wreaths were first placed in honor of all of the military services: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force – and the U.S Space Force, U.S. Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, POW/MIAs, and Unknown soldiers.

Volunteers clad in rain coats and some with umbrellas then spread out across the cemetery to place wreaths at each grave, previously marked with American flags.

Jim Devine of Dixon was one of the volunteers who braved the elements to place the wreaths. Devine served in the Navy. Other area veterans laying wreaths included Jim Potts, Don Stevens, and Dan Reimer of Oregon and Gary Burgess of Dixon.

“My wife is a member of the DAR,” said Burgess as he laid a wreath on a Civil War veteran’s grave.

According to Saturday’s program, 207 veterans are buried at the Daysville Cemetery, located 5 miles southeast of Oregon on Daysville Road.

The DAR’s website states: “With each veteran’s wreath placed by a volunteer, we ask that they ‘say their name’ to ensure that the legacy of duty, service, and sacrifice is never forgotten.”

Wreaths Across America Day, held annually in December, also includes a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, in addition to other locations in all 50 states. All the wreaths are provided through donations.

According to a the Wreaths Across America website: “In 2022, Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers placed more than 2.7 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths on headstones of our nation’s service members at 3,702 participating locations. This was accomplished with the support of more than 5,000 sponsorship groups, corporation contributions, and in-kind donations from the transportation industry across the country.

“The wreath-laying that began more than 30 years ago is still held annually, on the second or third Saturday of December. WAA’s annual pilgrimage from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery has become known as ‘the world’s largest veterans’ parade.' Every year the convoy of trucks, local law enforcement, staff and supporters stop at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities along the way to talk about the Wreaths Across America mission and remind people how important it is to remember, honor and teach.”

For information or to donate for the Dec. 13, 2025, event, visit Rochelle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution or contact Perry at laurieannperry@hotmail.com.

Perry said two new locations – Woodlawn Cemetry in Creston and Palmyra Cemetery in Dixon – will be added soon.