By Lisa Carolin
The opportunity to lay a wreath at the grave of a veteran will soon be available at both Mount Olivet and Oak Grove Cemeteries in Chelsea thanks to Boy Scout Troop 476.
“Wreaths Across America has a mission to remember our veterans, honor those who currently serve, and teach about freedom,” said Troop 476 Committee Chair Melissa Krzysik. “I was looking for an event that could generate community engagement, awareness for our troop and our leadership and service intentions, and provide a fundraising opportunity for us.”
Wreaths Across America got started when a nursery in New England had close to 5,000 leftover wreaths in December of 1992, and the owner donated them to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Krzysik says there are more than 700 veterans’ graves in the two Chelsea cemeteries.
“We can honor each one of them with a wreath, but we need the help of our Chelsea community,” she said. “Each wreath costs $17, and you can become a sponsor by visiting this site: Overview – Wreaths Across America.”
Troop 476 will host a special ceremony at the joint cemeteries at noon on Saturday, Dec. 16, and each branch of the service will be honored followed by the laying of the wreaths.
For more information about participating, contact Krzysik at [email protected]
For more information about Wreaths Across America, go to
Wreaths Across America: Our History, Tradition and Mission – Remember. Honor. Teach.
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