By Carol Mowdy Bond
Contributing Writer
On December 19, the annual Wreaths Across America event was held at the historic Fort Reno Cemetery, 7107 W. Cheyenne Street, El Reno. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was completely outside in the cemetery, was shortened, only a limited number of people were allowed to attend, and there were no inside components to the event.
The event was hosted by the Fort Reno Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) with special permission from the Historic Fort Reno Board, Inc., and the United States Department of Agriculture for hosting at the Fort Reno Post Cemetery.
With a crowd of approximately 40 people on hand, Jane Maytubby, the historian of Fort Reno Chapter, NSDAR, led the prayer. Oklahoma Jeep Patriots provided an all veteran honor guard. Larry Taylor played “Taps” while the flag was lowered to half staff. Oklahoma Society of Daughters of the American Revolution State Regent Teresa Cales brought greetings to the crowd. Chapter Regent Nicky Howell led the 45 minute ceremony to honor, remember, and teach the next generation about the importance of honoring our veterans.
Howell said, “We placed approximately 75 wreaths on graves, including seven for unknown soldiers buried at the cemetery. Historic Fort Reno Board’s Marie Hirst and Wendy Ogden were present. Tom Webb was also present.”
