Detroit Lakes/Becker County/White Earth 

National Wreaths Across America Day

     December 14, 2024

 Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 4,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad, including here in Detroit Lakes (the only location in west central Minnesota).

 Each year, since 2015, the Detroit Lakes Community and Veterans Groups gather to honor our Veterans, National Guard, Reserve and Active-Duty Members and their Families as part of the annual Wreaths Across America Day. Events this year will start at the Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Detroit Lakes  (Hwy 10 & Washington Avenue) at 11 AM. Events are open to all ages and free.

 Accoring to Tom Mortenson "We understand we have Veterans Day in the fall and Memorial Day in the spring, but our service members sacrifice their time and safety every single day of the year to preserve our freedoms. However, in many homes, there is an empty seat for one who is serving or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country".

Pam Mortenson added "There is no better time to express our appreciation than during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and take time to reflect on their sacrifice. We hope Veterans and everyday citizens will join us to show our Veterans, Service Members, and their families that no matter what the weather, We will never forget" she added.

Events are planned at Veterans Memorial Park, Grand Army of the Repub lic Park, WWII Memorial (at the Detroit Lakes Boys and Girls Club), Oak Grove and Holy Rosary Cemeteries. 

At each location wreaths will be presented and historical words will be presented by Dr. Tom Mortenson, a national speaker and writer.