Christmas for Vets: More veterans honored each year with wreaths on their graves in the Pequot Lakes area
This year, volunteers placed 414 wreaths on veterans graves in eight area cemeteries and they hope to add three more cemeteries in the future Written By: Nancy Vogt | ×
Lesa McQuaid (left), who recently moved to Pequot Lakes from California, checks a list as her niece, Cassidy Chaney, and sister, Melissa Chaney, both of Nisswa, hang a wreath on veteran Floyd W. Nickel s grave Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Pequot Lakes City Cemetery. Nancy Vogt / Echo Journal
This holiday season, 414 green evergreen wreaths with bright red bows adorn veterans’ graves in eight Pequot Lakes area cemeteries, all because one local woman believed all veterans should be honored as her husband is.
Roxanne Hooper relaxes for a few minutes after decorating her home for Christmas.
Submitted photos
Roxanne Hooper’s high-energy, determination and efficiency is enviable. The events of 2020, of which only some are COVID-19 related, have altered her Christmas plans this year.
She knew when she and her husband, Doug Hooper, had a tree and a bush removed from their Shadyside Road property earlier this year that their traditional Christmas light display would have to be downsized. Not only would there be fewer lights in their yard without them, but the large ornaments that always hung from the tree would be missing.
Live Nativity Scene at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Over time it can be said that some loses the true meaning of the Christmas season.
It s a religious holiday to help celebrate the birth of God s son; Jesus Christ for those who are Christian in faith.
Regardless of faith or traditions, this special time of year is looking different in 2020, and churches like Gloria Dei Lutheran are still wanting to celebrate.
On Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm a drive-thru Live Nativity scene/experience will be offered to the general public.
Christmas music will also be present throughout the event to help add to the story of Christmas.