This year's Wreaths Across America program, which honors veterans by laying wreaths at graves, will be Dec. 17. Union Cemetery in West Sunbury is short 180 wreaths, but the public can help.

Jodie Stocks wants to honor all 523 veterans whose final resting place is Union Cemetery in West Sunbury, but she needs the public’s help quickly — only two days left.

Stocks, the location coordinator for Wreaths Across America, said a patriotic and moving ceremony is held each year at Union, where taps is played, the Pledge of Allegiance is recited and the sacrifice of all American veterans is highlighted.

The names of each of the veterans from the Spanish-American War to Operation Desert Storm who rest in Union Cemetery are read separately, and a Christmas wreath is placed on the grave.

But Stocks is short 180 wreaths, with the ceremony coming up on Dec. 17.

“It’s so hard to make the decision on who gets a wreath and who doesn’t, because it’s so important that all veterans are recognized,” she said.

She said some descendants of the veterans at Union Cemetery buy a wreath and attend the ceremony, but there are veterans who do not have family in the area or whose family are not aware their relative lies in repose there.

So she is asking all residents who support veteran causes to step in and provide the wreaths for the forgotten military graves.

Wreaths can be purchased by visiting wreathsacrossamerica.org, clicking on the menu bar on the right, then click on “participating locations” and enter “West Sunbury Union Cemetery” to find Union Cemetery. Finally, click on ”sponsor“ to buy a wreath.

She said each wreath costs just $15.

“It’s a wonderful way to support the community,” Stocks said. “We need to remember the veterans who served and fought for our freedom.”

All wreaths must be purchased online by Saturday.

The public is invited to the ceremonies at various cemeteries in the county on Dec. 17.