T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY - A member of the Patriot Guard Riders helps a veteran lay a wreath honoring the 83,000 unaccounted Prisoners-of War/Missing in Action during the “Wreaths Across America” ceremony Saturday at the Iowa Veterans Home.

The joyful season of Christmas was at times tempered by somber memories of lost comrades during the annual “Wreaths Across America” ceremony held Saturday in the Malloy Leisure Resource Center at the historic Iowa Veterans Home.

The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) of Iowa conducted the program before a standing-room only crowd entertained with patriotic music and messages of duty to country in peacetime or war.

Fittingly, the timeless Christmas carol “Silent Night” was sung by all, accompanied by pianist Roxanne Bach.

The PGR’s mission is simple but compelling: Remember-Honor-Teach.

One minute of silence was held so attendees could reflect on the sacrifices and service of those who had perished serving their country.

The event’s hallmark – the laying of wreaths – was carried out with military precision by IVH residents representing branches of the armed services. Assisting the residents were Patriot Guard Riders.

Placing wreaths were Harry Frost – Army, Bill Hotel – Navy, John Leto – Marines, Richard Ivis – Air Force, Glen Slate – Coast Guard, Lyle Fox – Merchant Marine, Prisoners of War/Missing in Action – Dick Keilholtz.

Marshalltown native and U.S. Navy and Vietnam Veteran Tim Houts compelling “The Best Christmas Ever” presentation told being aboard a ship during Christmas 1972. The ship and crew’s job was to repeatedly shell enemy forces in Vietnam. That was countered by the grand pleasure of receiving mail from home.

“Anyone who has ever served in the armed forces knows how important ‘mail call’ is,” Houts said.

Scott Williams of the Steamboat Rock Fire Department played “Taps” to conclude the ceremony.