Community members are invited to a special evening dedicated to honoring local veterans and patriots at the Thorntown Public Library on Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. The program, hosted by the Friends of TPL, will highlight ongoing efforts to recognize those who served the nation and shaped Boone County’s history.
One focus of the evening will be the growing local involvement in Wreaths Across America, a nationwide initiative that places wreaths on veterans’ graves each December. The effort in Boone County began in 2023 through the Boone County Extension Homemakers, inviting individuals and organizations to sponsor wreaths for local veterans. By 2025, the program expanded significantly, with Wendy Sloman serving as a site coordinator. She will share her experiences, discuss the importance of the initiative, and provide insight into how residents can support the 2026 goal of placing 500 wreaths—more than halfway achieved.
The program will also highlight efforts to honor Boone County’s Revolutionary War patriots as part of the upcoming celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Kirsten Wamsley, Local History Librarian and Museum Coordinator at TPL, has been instrumental in researching and organizing commemorative events. In collaboration with groups including the Thorntown Heritage Museum, Boone County Extension Homemakers, Discover Boone County, the James Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and local historian Doug Weisheit, a series of wreath-laying ceremonies has been planned across the county. Wamsley will provide details on these ceremonies and share ways the public can participate.
The event is free and open to the public. Following the program, attendees can enjoy refreshments, take part in a plant swap, and browse items at the Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale.