Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks – Wreaths across America

1059 Wreaths for our fallen heroes

Wreaths Across America was founded in 1992 and today there are 1600 cemeteries nationwide participating in honoring our fallen military by laying wreaths upon their graves. The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks members with funding from the Elks Bingo Charity Committee purchased 1059 wreaths for the laying. The El Toro Cemetery was the scene for the well attended event. A silent prayer was lead by Ally Yuen, of the American Heritage Girl Scouts and the Scouts presented the Colors. “Choral Music Aliso” led the people assembled in “The Star Spangled Banner”, followed by a heart warming, speech by Heather Ridout, Troop 0356 Coordinator. Ridout reminded everyone that when soldiers serve, their families serve as well. Mission Viejo mayor Greg Raths (a veteran, himself), spoke of how his life of service began all the way back to his days as a Scout and has influenced his life of service ever since by living by the Boy Scout Motto, “Duty to Country and God, duty to other people and duty to self”.

Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Exalted Ruler, Jamie Camunus, told about the many things the Elks do for the veterans and how the Veterans in her own family have influenced her life. Elks veterans laying wreaths to honor each branch of service were, Wally McCoy for the U. S. Navy and Merchant Marines, Sara Vuosco U.S. Air Force, Nikolas Longcob U..S. Army, Taylor Bergeron U.S. Navy, Gary Wood U.S. Marines, John Schickley U.S.Coast Guard and Dave Slater for the 82,000 soldiers who are MIA and POWS. With the speaking program ended, everyone picked up the wreaths and headed out into the cemetery to place them on the graves of those who have given us the freedoms we enjoy today. Elks District National Veterans Chairman and organizer of the local event Dave Perry thanked all who attended.

The wreath laying accomplished, the Elks hurried back to the Lodge to join another 42 members who were putting on the Christmas Party for 152 special needs guests. The party was already underway with music provided by Elk DJ Roy Southerland and Cate Murphy. There was a hot lunch of chicken fingers, chips, cookies and punch served, and Santa and Mrs. Claus (Elk Pam Mackey & husband Ed) arrived with gifts for all. Every guest also received a beautiful photo taken with Santa by Lodge Esquire Rick Moscoso. The special guests danced and partied away the afternoon, meeting and greeting old friends and enjoying the hospitality of the Elks.