Wreaths Across America honor veterans at Oakdale Cemetery in Leetonia
On Saturday dozens of people braved the cold at the Oakdale Cemetery in Leetonia to honor the lives of more than 300 veterans resting there.
For the first time the cemetery was one of 4,500 locations chosen by the Wreaths Across America organization thanks to local efforts made by Larry Scragg who is the grandson of a World War II veteran buried there.
"In the past I have done Wreaths Across America with a neighboring community. I just said to myself I was going to volunteer to do that again [and ] I'm like 'Why don't we try to start this up here in Leetonia," Scragg said.
During the ceremonial event volunteers and family members placed donated wreaths near veterans' headstones.
People, both young and old, recognized the sacrifices veterans made during conflicts from the Civil Var to the Vietnam War.
According to the cemetery clerk, 346 wreaths were donated. The Leetonia American Legion and the Washingtonville VFW split the cost of the wreaths for this year's event.
Remaining donations will be used for next year. Cemetery personnel at Oakdale hope to make this an annual event in Leetonia.