LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The local group that sponsors an annual Wreaths Across America event for Lake County reported that it is adding two more cemeteries to this year's commemorations.

The annual event lays wreaths on the graves of veterans interred locally.

Local veterans performed the first Wreaths Across America ceremony ever held at Hartley Cemetery in Lakeport seven years to remember and honor veterans for the sacrifices they and their families made for the nation, according to event coordinator, Toni Funderburg.

The second year that the ceremony took place, then-coordinator Slick Hultquist wanted to get the youth involved to teach them more about the veterans' sacrifices and instill in them respect for veterans.

Hultquist later asked Funderburg to take on being the local coordinator for Wreaths Across America as he was very busy volunteering for other veterans functions. The vision was to expand the Wreaths Across America throughout Lake County. That vision has become a reality.

This year Upper Lake Cemetery was added as the fourth cemetery to have a Wreaths Across America ceremony, joining Hartley, Kelseyville and Lower Lake cemeteries, according to Funderburg.

The Knights of Columbus No. 7611 called on Nov. 19; because of the group's generosity and willingness to participate, there will be a fifth ceremony at the St. Mary’s Cemetery on Highway 175 outside of Lakeport, Funderburg reported.

With the support of veterans, youth groups and local volunteers, Funderburg said there will be five Wreaths Across America ceremonies that will take place simultaneously at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.

There are four youth groups that are selling sponsorships for remembrance wreaths for the veterans' graves: Boy Scout Troop 42 for Hartley Cemetery, Boy Scout Troop 45 for Kelseyville Cemetery, the Lake County 4-H Group for Lower Lake and the FFA for Upper Lake.

Individual sponsorships cost $15 for one wreath and the family option costs $60 for four wreaths, small businesses can fund 10 wreaths for $150 and corporations can sponsor 100 or more wreaths for $1,500.

The goal for each cemetery is to place wreaths on as many of the veterans' graves as possible.

Funderburg said that individuals, businesses and organizations have sponsored wreaths but more are needed.

Sponsorship forms can be picked up at Lakeport Tire & Auto Service, 1901 S. Main St. in Lakeport, or you can call 707-263-5422 and they will fax or email you a sponsorship form.

If you use Facebook, go to Wreaths Across America – Lake County, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wreaths-Across-America-Lake-County/103251736433906 , and you can download a sponsorship form after liking the Wreaths Across America page. You will be able to choose a cemetery and a sponsoring group. Checks must be made to Wreaths Across America.

Or go www.wreathsacrossamerica.org and sponsor a wreath and payment can be made with a credit card.

The deadline for submission of the sponsorships is Saturday, Nov. 30.