DANVILLE — Members of the Danville Lions Club and other volunteers laid 225 wreaths at the Soldiers Circle at Spring Hill Cemetery on Dec. 21.
The project, coordinated by Lions member Darren Van Duyn, included a short ceremony and then laying of the artificial wreaths at graves in the first two rows. Larry Weatherford with the Vermilion County War Museum talked about the history of the cemetery, which was established in 1864 and honors many of the county’s founders and historic figures.
The wreaths will be in place until Jan. 30, when they will be collected and used again.
Van Duyn raised the money to buy the wreaths from more than 16 project partners. One of the partners, Fisher National Bank, sent representatives on Sunday to help honor the veterans. A banner listing the sponsors is in place at the veterans circle through January.
Van Duyn said he plans to continue to raise money so that additional wreaths can be placed next year. The Soldiers Circle contains the graves of 445 veterans, including those who served in the Civil War.
To donate for the wreath project or to learn more about the Lions Club, write to: Danville Lions Club, P.O. Box 1396, Danville, IL 61834; email bwallpe45@hotmail.com or call 217-474-9210.
Visit the club on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/danvillelionsclub/ or Lions District 1-M website at www.district1m.org