http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-996764.mp3
Keokuk, IA – It would be hard to blame someone for staying home Saturday morning. The bright, sunny sky was not enough to change the fact that it was cold.
The temperature in Keokuk was about 25 degrees at 10:45 A.M., with a slight wind making it feel even colder.
Suzy Glasscock says the weather was not going to keep her indoors because she says there is nowhere she would rather be on the second Saturday in December than standing in the middle of the Keokuk National Cemetery.
"It is just such a reverent place," says Glasscock, "(because) you just can't help but think about all of the people. When you wake up in the morning and you are safe in your bed, (you think about) what these people have given. They have given their all to make that possible for us."
Glasscock has been a driving force behind the Wreaths Across America ceremony in Keokuk.
The national event got its start 20 years ago when a wreath-maker from Maine decided to donate his surplus to the National Cemetery in Arlington, VA to be laid at the graves of fallen soldiers.
This practice occurred for more than a decade, with little notice, until 2005. That is when similar events started to spring up at national cemeteries across the country.
The Keokuk National Cemetery hosted its first ceremony in 2006.
Glasscock says people can donate $15.00 anytime during the year to have a wreath placed on a specific grave.
"Then when it comes (to) the end of November, the wreaths are ordered," says Glasscock, "We electronically transfer the money to the Wreaths Across America project and depending on how much we have raised, that is how we get our wreaths."
This year, more than 200 wreaths arrived in Keokuk.
The 20" balsam fir wreaths with bright red velvet bows provide a sharp contrast to the white tombstones.
They are set up by Glasscock, local students and members of the public the day before the ceremony.
The ceremony actually turns out to be the shortest part of the entire process.
It takes roughly the same length of time as your average Saturday morning cartoon.
But for those who participate, this half hour is something they will never forget.
You can experience the entire ceremony by clicking the audio link above.