Wreath-laying ceremony in Auburn on Dec. 13

The nonprofit, all-volunteer organization Wreaths Across America will hold the traditional annual wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 9 a.m. at the New Auburn Cemetery, 1040 Collins Dr. (off Mt. Vernon Road). This ceremony is held on the same date and time nationwide at more than 4,600 volunteer locations. Wreaths has been in existence since the first donation in 1992 of more than 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, and on Dec. 13, 2008, the U.S. Senate designated the laying of wreaths as Wreaths Across America Day. As of 2024, more than 2 million wreaths have been placed annually on the final resting places of our veterans. Auburn resident Bonnie Potter (RADM, MC, USN (ret.)) will serve as master of ceremonies. Auburn Winds, led by Conductor Jim Kepfer, will play a medley of patriotic tunes, and a joint Color Guard comprised of deputies from the Placer County Sheriff's Office and Auburn Police Department officers will be led by Bagpiper Andrea Jones of Matthews, NC, who donates her travel and performance. Guest speakers include Bridget Powers, District 5 Director, Office of Placer County Board of Supervisors, Placer County Veterans Services Officer Steve Johnson, Placer County Sheriff's Lieutenant Dave Smith, Auburn Mayor Kelly Davis and Auburn Police Lt. Tucker Huey. Representatives of each military branch will present a ceremonial wreath at the Auburn Area Memorial Wall, escorted by family members and cadets from the Civil Air Patrol Auburn Squadron 92. The Auburn Area Honor Guard, led by Sgt. Major (ret.) Terry Crouson, will conduct a three-rifle volley, TAPS will be performed by Craig Thomas, the national anthem by vocalist Annie Beauchamp and "Amazing Grace" by Piper Jones. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the public is invited to place a wreath, staged along the roadway earlier that morning, upon the grave of a veteran. Families are encouraged to bring their young ones.