Solemn tradition at risk as wreath donations lag at Fort Logan

DENVER — Every December, volunteers place wreaths on the graves of veterans at Fort Logan National Cemetery — a solemn tradition that honors their service and sacrifice. But this year, many graves may go without one.

Only about 14,000 wreaths have been donated for the more than 140,000 service members laid to rest at the cemetery, according to the nonprofit ColoradoHonor . That’s enough to cover just 10 percent of the graves, and there are thousands fewer donations than last year. John Parker served in both the Army and Air Force during Vietnam and the Gulf War. He was buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in 2021.

Barbara Schneider said she’s been participating in wreath donations ever since her brother, John Parker, died in 2021.

“John had always wanted to be in a veterans cemeter