Great Lakes Leaders Honor America’s Fallen Heroes

Photo By John Sheppard | 191214-N-CC785-003 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Dec. 14, 2019) - About a dozen Naval Station Great Lakes volunteers helped place wreaths at the Great Lakes Naval Cemetery on Dec. 14 as part of the national “Wreaths Across America” campaign. This wreath is on the grave of Joseph Gregg, the first recruit to attend boot camp at Great Lakes. (U.S. Navy photo by John Sheppard/Released)  

GREAT LAKES, IL, UNITED STATES

12.14.2019

Story by John Sheppard 

Naval Station Great Lakes

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Dec. 14, 2019) — About a dozen volunteers helped place wreaths at the Great Lakes Naval Cemetery on Dec. 14 as part of the national “Wreaths Across America” campaign.

The effort locally was led by Julie Boesel, Navy Gold Star coordinator for Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL). Forty-eight wreaths were placed on graves in the cemetery. The wreaths were donated by Andy Barrie of Northwoods Wreaths LLC.

“I want to personally thank Julie Boesel for arranging for ‘Wreaths Across America’ on board the installation,” said Capt Ray Leung, NSGL commanding officer. “We must never forget to honor those who came before us and those who have passed on.”

“I appreciated the opportunity to participate in this event. It was a solemn way to remember those who have given their all for this great country,” said Cmdr. Ken Williams, NSGL executive officer.

Wreath-laying ceremonies were also held at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 1,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

For more about the Navy Gold Star program, go to www.facebook.com/NavyGoldStar. For more about Wreaths Across America, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

• Date Taken: 12.14.2019
• Date Posted: 12.16.2019 13:54
• Story ID: 355866
• Location: GREAT LAKES, IL, US
• Hometown: GREAT LAKES, IL, US