Wreath-laying ceremony in Palmyra honors Lewis and Clark expedition team member

PALMYRA, Mo. — A wreath-laying ceremony was held for George Shannon on Dec. 7 on the Palmyra courthouse lawn near Shannon’s monument.

The ceremony was led by Kay Ellis, regent of the Hannibal Heritage Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. George “Peg-Leg” Shannon was a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition team.

Shannon was born in 1787 and died Aug. 30, 1836 in Palmyra.

The practice of wreath-laying was adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages as a way to mark the season of Advent.  The circular shape of the wreath represents eternity, reminding people of God’s infinite love and presence in their lives. The greenery used to decorate it symbolizes everlasting life and hope given by Jesus.

It is also a representation of faith, as Christians in Europe often placed a candle on the wreath during Advent to symbolize the light that Jesus brought into the world. It signifies a continuous commitment as American citizens to honor and remember the sacrifices made by generations of fallen heroes in defense of the American way of life.