Wreaths across America Ceremony at Willamette National Cemetery

 

 It was cold and rainy at Willamette National Cemetery this morning. In spite of the weather, Oregonians turned out for the holiday tradition of laying wreaths on veterans’ graves.

The Lewis & Clark Color Guard was honored to provide a musket volley at today’s event. In addition, the Color Guard was privileged to escort the Grand Ronde Honor Guard (Veterans' Board of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community), who posted the colors at today’s wreath-laying ceremony. Native Americans serve in the United States’ armed forces in greater numbers per capita than anyone else. The Oneida Indian Nation was the United States’ first ally in the War for Independence — playing a key role in the battles of Oriskany and Saratoga.