Community members gather at Old Ossian Cemetery to pay tribute to fallen veterans
By SYDNEY KENT
Ernest Hemingway once wrote that a person dies twice: once when they take their final breath, and again the last time someone says their name.
These words resonated with Larry Heckber, his family, and friends as they gathered together at the Old Ossian Cemetery to place wreaths on the graves of fallen veterans.
Fourteen Civil War veterans’ names, regiment, and company were read aloud during the heartfelt ceremony Saturday.
Heckber explained that the ceremony was a part of the Wreaths Across America Program, specifically created to remember Veterans during the Christmas season. Over 4,000 cemeteries participated in the program, with more than 2.2 million wreaths laid.
The mission of the nonprofit is to remember the fallen, honor those who served, and teach the next generation the true value of freedom.
The Heckber family, with the help of the community, have given countless hours of time, labor, and research in order to restore the once dilapidated cemetery.
The children at the ceremony led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem was sung by Megan and Jason Poeppel. Traditional military “Taps” were also performed.
An additional ceremony will take place at the cemetery, located at 310 Young St., in May.
sydney@news-banner.com
