Each year, Wreaths Across America brings communities together to honor the men and women who served our nation. At Mount Peace Cemetery, local volunteers and sponsoring groups have spent the past year raising funds to place 1,400 veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of fallen service members laid to rest there. This annual observance supports the organization’s mission to Remember, Honor, Teach — ensuring that the stories and sacrifices of America’s veterans live on for future generations.

The ceremony will take place at:

Mount Peace Cemetery
755 East 10th Street, St. Cloud
Saturday, December 13, 2025 • 12:00 p.m.

Community members, veterans, active-duty service members, families, and supporters are invited to attend the solemn and meaningful tribute. Volunteers will help place wreaths throughout the cemetery following the ceremony.

Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit founded to expand the wreath-laying tradition that began at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 through the efforts of Maine businessman Morrill Worcester. Today, the organization’s mission — Remember, Honor, Teach — is carried out at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and memorial sites in all 50 states and beyond.

For more information about Wreaths Across America or to sponsor a wreath, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Positively Osceola will continue to share updates as the community comes together to honor those who served.

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This year’s ceremony at Mount Peace Cemetery was a solemn yet uplifting occasion, marked by heartfelt speeches, ceremonial wreath placements, and the shared commitment to the Wreaths Across America mission: Remember, Honor, Teach.

The program opened with Mike Facella, the Master of Ceremonies, delivering the opening remarks. Facella set a reverent tone for the day, guiding attendees through the event while reminding everyone of the profound significance of honoring both past and present sacrifices of America’s service members.

A key highlight was the placement of ceremonial wreaths, symbolizing respect for each branch of the military and the families of those who served. Those honored included:

• United States Army – Rick and Karen Areola
• United States Navy – Marty Feck
• United States Marine Corps – John and Sue Wilding
• United States Air Force – Tom Allen
• United States Coast Guard – Amarilis Torres
• Merchant Marines – Laurel Robertson
• Space Force – Mackenzie Deatherage and Sean Hans
• POW/MIA – Daryl Bass

The wreath-laying ceremony was further enriched by representatives of organizations such as the Joshua Stevens DAR and the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Tent 11, alongside the Sons of Union Veterans’ L.L. Mitchell Camp 4.

Throughout the ceremony, there was an unmistakable sense of unity and gratitude. Veterans, local leaders, and young participants, including Boy Scouts Troop 800, played integral roles in honoring those laid to rest. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Boy Scouts, followed by a stirring performance of the National Anthem by Stacy Hobbs. Special music by JD and Stacy of Afterglow provided a moving soundtrack to the day’s tributes.

Guest speaker Eric Davidson, CEO and Director of Veteran Affairs at McCormick Research Institute, delivered powerful remarks about the enduring legacy of veterans and the importance of events like Wreaths Across America to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.

The ceremony concluded with a solemn 21-gun salute performed by the Osceola Veterans Council. Families, volunteers, and attendees were then invited to participate in the gravesite wreath-laying, a reflective moment that symbolized the community’s collective gratitude and remembrance.

The day’s message was clear: freedom is not free. “It’s so important to teach future generations about the sacrifices made for our freedoms,” said one attendee. “The wreaths are a simple yet powerful way to honor those who gave so much.”

Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization founded in 1992, carries out its mission year-round to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation about the value of freedom. The annual wreath-laying ceremonies take place at more than 4,225 locations across the United States, including Arlington National Cemetery, where the tradition began.

For more information or to sponsor a wreath, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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The event will take place from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and is part of the nationwide mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach. Volunteers will gather to lay wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.

The ceremony, organized under the banner of Wreaths Across America, seeks to honor the memories of those who served while fostering a sense of gratitude among the living. Residents are encouraged to attend and show their support for the mission to #LiveWithPurpose.

As the holiday season approaches, this event provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the bravery and dedication of the men and women who have served our nation.

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