'Wreaths Across America' leaves lasting impact in Roseville

On Saturday, hundreds of Roseville citizens gathered at Roseville Cemetery to take part in "Wreaths Across America" on National Wreaths Across America Day. More than 2,700 cemeteries across America this past weekend hosted the event honoring America's fallen heroes. The Wreaths Across America Day's purpose is to honor those who have sacrificed their lives in all branches of the U.S. military. According to the national Wreaths Across America website, "Our mission is to remember, honor and teach." Last year, Claire Alway of Roseville teamed up with the Roseville Cemetery for Roseville to have a ceremony. In 2020, Alway was able to provide 179 wreaths, thanks to community members, City Council and businesses who sponsored the wreaths. This year, Alway had collected enough donations through community sponsorship to have 1,008 wreaths to honor more than 1,000 veterans buried in Roseville. According to Alway and Roseville Cemetery officials, there are approximately 2,344 veterans buried in Roseville, leaving more than 1,000 veterans without a wreath on their tombstone. Alway's goal next year is to have more than 2,000 wreaths placed to honor the remaining veterans buried in the Roseville cemetery. Roseville Cemetery stood out this year during National Wreaths Across America Day, due to its new Gold Star memorial monument that was dedicated and celebrated in October. "For every star on that monument, 100 folks lost their lives," said Alway. "That's why this is one of a kind. The only Gold Star monument closest to us is in San Jose." Roseville's Gold Star monument is the 89th monument that has been installed across the country. During Saturday's event, many residents placed a wreath upon the monument to honor fallen veterans. Roseville City Council members Pauline Roccucci, Tracy Mendonsa, Scott Alvord and Vice- Mayor Bruce Houdesheldt attended the event. Roccucci, who works closely with Alway, brought her grandson with her to the cemetery. "This is a special way for the community to remember, and for next generations like my grandson," said Roccucci. "I wanted him to see the ceremony. I want him to respect the people who have served in the military." Also present at Saturday's ceremony included local Boy and Girl Scout troops to honor Roseville veterans. Michelle Strosnider brought her two sons, Liam, 11, and Bryce, 6, who are in Boy Scouts Pack 37 and Troop 1051 to "show appreciation to the veterans." "It's great community service for the kids," Michelle Strosnider said. "It teaches them about respect and honor." Both of her sons noticed how many residents were there to show their gratitude to the veterans. "Without them (veterans), we would have little to no rights," Liam added. Another group of Scouts was also amazed at the community contribution to this event. "It's really sweet to see how everybody came out to honor the veterans," said Scout Ashley Lake, 12. "I am hoping that next year, there will be more wreaths." Ashley and her fellow scouts discussed how many tombstones had no wreaths and how they will fundraise for next year's' Wreaths Across America, so that all 2,334 veterans buried at Roseville Cemetery can be honored.