Bogalusa Wreaths Across America is proud to commemorate and invite everyone to its annual “Wreaths Across America” events scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m. at several local cemeteries, in synergy with the noon ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

This year’s event will include the dedication of a U.S. flag sent by request of U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy. Cassidy will have the flag flown on Saturday, Dec. 16, for Bogalusa Wreaths Across America at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., in honor of A.Z. Young — a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army under General Patton.

Young’s selective service card is on display, along with other materials and photos from his life, at the Tangipahoa African American Museum in Hammond. The flag was donated by Katrice Wilson, U. S. Army veteran of Fort Wayne, Ind., who served in the First Gulf Conflict. She is the daughter of Emma Dixon.

We embrace the 2017 Wreaths Across America theme: “I’m an American. Yes I Am!” Please help us honor, remember, thank and teach our youth on the service of the veterans buried at Bogalusa Cemetery, Duffy Cemetery in Lee’s Creek and at the Moses Cemetery in Varnado. We also honor all veterans at cemeteries throughout our community and America.

We are excited and honored to have a generous and special donation of 20 wreaths for the Bogalusa Cemetery from the National Wreaths Across national office and shipped from Worcester, Maine. The donation was made by Walter Harris in memory of Andrew Moses, U.S. Army veteran and longtime Bogalusa radio announcer and insurance agent and salesman.

Please bring American flags, wreaths and other items to honor your loved one.

Organizers of this event include Emma Dixon, site coordinator for Bogalusa Wreaths Across America; Calvin Johnson, former commander of the Bogalusa Disabled Veterans; Fred Magee, commander of the Bogalusa Disabled Veterans; and Elbert Buckley Jr., of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.