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December 13, 2008

By HEATHER PYLES, Staff Writer The Commonwealth Journal Sat Dec 13, 2008, 06:30 PM EST

Somerset — Numerous visitors gathered at Mill Springs this weekend for a ceremony meant to show that no one should be forgotten during the holidays — especially military veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces.

The Mill Springs National Cemetery in Nancy played local host to the national Wreaths Across America Ceremony Saturday, and despite the cold numerous visitors and participants attended the ceremony.

“It’s been growing every year and I hope it keeps growing,” said location leader Col. Mike Lodico. “It’s really wonderful to see everyone here, especially when you see those young kids getting involved.”

The event began 17 years ago when the Worcester Wreath Company began placing wreaths on the headstones of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Saturday’s ceremony also saw the placement of a wreath at the headstone of Sgt. Brent Woods, who fought during the Indian Wars and received the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1881 for the actions he undertook during a skirmish involving his detachment of soldiers and civilians and Apache Indians.

Woods’ remains were placed in an unmarked grave, only to be relocated to the Mill Springs National Cemetery in 1984 after a campaign was started to rebury his remains with full military honors.

Woods is the only person from Pulaski County to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor and the second African-American from Kentucky to do so.

Participants in the wreath laying included members of local Boy Scout Troop 81, a representative with the Kentucky State Troopers and members of Southwestern High School JROTC. Wreaths were placed at headstones in remembrance of those who served and are serving in the Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Merchant Marines and the Coast Guard. A wreath was also placed in remembrance of those servicemen and servicewomen who were last reported as missing in action of prisoners of war.

“This is especially near and dear to my heart,” Lodico said during the ceremony about the MIA and POW wreath.

The American Legion Post #38 Honor Guard also attended the ceremony and performed the 21-gun salute. Dr. Roger Lane also performed Taps.

Lodica said he and other volunteers with the event are hoping to raise funds that will allow the wreaths to be placed on more than just a few headstones.

“We would love to raise enough money to put a wreath on every grave,” Lodico said.

The Mill Springs ceremony was a cooperative effort on the part of the Patriot Guard Riders and the Rotary Club of Somerset, which Lodico said has been “fantastic” in its support of the event.

For more information on the event visit the non-profit organization’s Web site at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Contact information for those interested in donating to the event is available on the Web site.

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