05/24/2026
This Memorial Day weekend as we recognize all those who have served our country that are no longer with us, we want to recognize six young men from Edmond who answered the call to serve during the Vietnam War and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Four of these young heroes are at Gracelawn Cemetery.
All six were graduates of Edmond High School. Their sacrifice left such a lasting impact on this community that in 1975, Edmond High School was renamed Edmond Memorial High School in their honor.
Four of those young men now rest here at Gracelawn Cemetery:
SGT John Charles Wilson
SSG Allen Matthew Garrett
CPL James Earl Johnson
SGT James Michael Leonard
We also remember SPC Danny Jean Shores and Floyd Wendell Frazier Jr., whose lives and sacrifices are forever part of the story of Edmond’s Lost Six.
This Memorial Day, we invite our community to help ensure these heroes are remembered once more during the 2026 Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Gracelawn Cemetery on Saturday, December 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM.
Each of the four heroes buried at Gracelawn needs a wreath sponsored for the ceremony. Sponsors may choose to sponsor one wreath, multiple wreaths, or all four if they wish. Those who sponsor also have the opportunity, if they would like, to personally place the wreath at the grave of the veteran they sponsored during the ceremony.
These were not just names in history books. They were sons, classmates, friends, and members of this community whose futures were cut short in service to our country.
As we gather with family this holiday weekend, may we remember the price that was paid for the freedoms we enjoy today and ensure that these six young men from Edmond are never forgotten.
The sponsorship link for the four veterans buried at Gracelawn Cemetery will be included below:
https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/OK0111P
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