DARKE COUNTY – Greenville Union Cemetery, Greenville and Greenlawn Cemetery, Versailles, will host wreath-laying ceremonies, joining more than 4,225 other locations across the country for National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Coordinated and led by Fort GreeneVille Chapter DAR, Luke Subler with Classic Carriers, local volunteers, churches, and sponsorship groups, funds have been raised throughout the year to sponsor the placement of approximately 3,150 wreaths on the headstones of our fallen service members laid to rest in Darke County. This annual event seeks to further the yearlong mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, ensuring that the memory of those who served our country endures.
Several Darke County cemeteries are official Wreaths Across America (WAA) locations.
What started out at Greenville Union Cemetery, the participating cemeteries in Darke County have grown to 12 total: Greenville Union Cemetery, historical Water Street Cemetery, St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Stelvideo Cemetery, Greenlawn Cemetery, Brock Cemetery, St. Valberts Cemetery, Frenchtown Cemetery, English Cemetery, Yoder Cemetery, and Hoover Cemetery.
Please plan to volunteer at the many participating cemeteries in Darke County on Saturday, Dec. 13. Volunteers are needed to lay wreaths and pay tribute to our fallen service members. Please plan to participate. The schedule for Darke County Cemeteries on Saturday, Dec. 13 is as follows:
Greenville Union Cemetery: Ceremony at noon and laying wreaths immediately following (including historical Water St. Cemetery).
St. Marys Catholic Cemetery: Ceremony and laying of wreaths at 9:00 a.m.
Stelvideo Cemetery: Ceremony and laying of wreaths at 10:00 a.m.
St. John Lutheran Cemetery: Ceremony and laying of wreaths (TBA).
Greenlawn Cemetery: Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. and laying of wreaths immediately following, including at Brock Cemetery, St. Valberts Cemetery, Frenchtown Cemetery, English Cemetery, Yoder Cemetery, and Hoover Cemetery.
Wreaths Across America (WAA), the national nonprofit whose year-long mission is to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach our children the value of freedom, proudly announces its theme for 2025: “Keep Moving Forward.” This year’s theme was inspired by the last words of Captain Joshua Byers, United States Army, KIA, in Fallujah, Iraq, July 23, 2003.
Joshua Byers was the Company Commander of Fox Troop in the 2/3ACR service in Iraq in 2003 when an IED struck his Humvee. As the smoke filled the air, Josh gave his driver a last command: “…keep moving forward.” Though Josh didn’t make it home, this command saved lives and became a battle cry for his unit and family.
“There will always be challenges to overcome as individuals, communities and a country, but we must keep moving forward together,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. This year, we will share not only the Byers’ story of resilience but also the stories of many others who continue to live with purpose every day and have chosen to keep moving forward.”
“Fort GreeneVille Chapter DAR keeps moving forward” in honoring our Veterans and active military throughout the year. We should always remember and never forget,” said Debbie Nisonger, Regent of Fort GreeneVille Chapter. Also in 2025, the chapter held two highways dedications and a bridge dedication honoring three Darke County soldiers who didn’t return home from Vietnam.
In 2024, over three million sponsored veterans’ wreaths were placed by volunteers on headstones at 4,909 participating locations worldwide. Wreaths Across America volunteers tirelessly work year-round to Remember, Honor, and Teach, with each name spoken out loud in grateful acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by our veterans for our freedoms.
This free event is open to all, and the organization encourages community members to participate by volunteering locally or sponsoring a wreath for an American hero.
