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Wreaths Across America honors fallen veterans

Posted at 8:53 PM, Dec 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-15 22:55:46-05

BILLINGS – Americans honored veterans for National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday.

Families and volunteers placed 357 wreaths near headstones at the Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel.

Wreaths Across America provides a chance to remember, honor and teach. The ceremonies took place at 1,400 cemeteries nationwide.

“It’s an honor and show of respect and love,” said Tara Bertucci, who helped place the wreath for her father Arthur Holwegner.

“He was a good man that served his country,” said Shirley Holwegner, Arthur’s widow and Tara’s mother. “America needs to know that we have so many heroes, unsung heroes.”

“Takes a lot to preserve our freedoms in this country and we need to pass this on from one generation to the next,” said Richard Klose, Montana American Legion state commander.

“That’s why we’re going to lay the wreaths so we don’t forget that people have served our country and sacrificed their lives for our country,” American Heritage Girls Troop MT 0412 said.

“It’s reminding everyone that our veterans mean something, that they’re important to us,” said Stephen McCollum,

The American Heritage Girls Troop MT 0412 raised money for the wreaths.

-David Jay reporting for MTN News