Willmar Man Pays Respect to Soldiers With Christmas Wreaths

"The people that serve our country and fight our wars deserve our respect. And as long as I'm on this earth I'm going to make sure they get it," said Mackedanz.

Mackedanz hopes to place 250 wreaths on soldiers graves by Monday.

"It may sound goofy, but I feel like I'm supposed to do this," said Mackedanz. 

Each wreath is handmade at Stacy's Nursery in Willmar and is paid for with donations.

Mackedanz says there are more than 17,000 veterans buried in Kandiyohi County and he would like to place a wreath on each of their graves.

"Christmas eve in Vietnam was tough...I know these soldiers are no longer with us, but I think it's important to remember them during this festive time of year," said Mackedanz.

Mackedanz says his generous gesture is not for the glory. But rather the knowledge that a timeless sign of Christmas will keep a timeless sign of a soldiers sacrifice company.

Donations for Ron's project can be sent to the following address:

ATTN: Blue Star Mothers

MN Chapter 1

P.O. Box 206

Pennock, MN 56279

Written for the Web by Anthony Kiekow

akiekow@ksax.com