Wreaths Across America: Remembering Those Who Gave All

Christmas is fast approaching and as the holidays begin to roll around, many of us look for ways to give back or be of service.  Over the next several weeks I will focus on various charities and/or ideas of how we can do just that.  There are so many good causes, and just as many different types of needs, that each of us can find something that speaks to us or has a special significance.

The first organization I'd like to highlight is Wreaths Across America.  Since its inception in 1992, it has grown into an incredible movement to honor those who will never know another Christmas.  It is a group dedicated to remembering our fallen heroes by placing a fresh wreath on thousands of graves across the United States.

They serve over 600 different cemeteries across almost every state (eleven in Illinois).  A donation of  $15.00 will buy a wreath, and you can designate which location you would like it sent to.   This year they have been given the incredible task of placing a wreath on each of the  graves at Arlington National Cemetery on December 10th. 

Between now and November 27th, people can help by sponsoring a wreath to be placed on a Veteran's grave.  Checks can be made out to Wreaths Across America, and sent to OCP Wreath Project, 611 Wilcox Street, Joliet, IL  60435.

If someone has a loved one or friend, buried at Abraham Lincoln, they are able to do "grave specific" requests, as long as the Veteran's Name, Section and Grave Marker # are sent to the above address no later than Nov. 27th. 

Please include: a contact phone number and just a little note if you will be there that day to place your loved one's wreath, or if you would like one of their volunteers to place it.  **This can only be done at this cemetery.

"All gave some, and some gave all", is a phrase I've heard a great deal lately and it truly sums up the price these brave men and women have paid.  Although placing a flag or a wreath cannot bring back those now gone, by remembering them we connect to our deepest level of patriotism.  We acknowledge the fact that their lives have given us our freedom.  This is one very small opportunity for us to honor and remember them.

The site also offers a wonderful opportunity for giving back.  Their Thanks A Million program gives 100 FREE cards that say "Thanks a Million" which you can hand out to any veteran you meet.  There is a $5.00 shipping/handling charge.  I saw a number of these cards left by visitors at the Mideast Conflicts Wall down in Marseilles.

The story of Wreaths Across America began in 1992 when Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine had a surplus of wreaths left near the end of the holiday season.  He made arrangements for the wreaths to be placed in the older section of Arlington National Cemetery.  This went on until 2005 when a photo of the stones, decorated with wreaths and covered with snow, began circulating on the internet.  From that point forward thousands of requests have poured in from people wanting to help.

In 2007, the Worcester family, along with a number of Veterans and other groups, created Wreaths Across America, a non profit organization.  In 2008 the US Congress unanimously voted December 13th as "Wreaths Across America Day".   From his first generous act, the campaign has grown and people across the United States have become involved with fundraisers, corporate contributions, trucking, shipping, and thousands upon thousands of volunteers to help lay these wreaths.

The shipment of wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery has become known as the "world's largest Veteran's parade".  It stops at schools, monuments, Veteran's homes and communities along the route as a "way to remind people how important it is to remember, honor and teach."

As part of this incredible effort I will be going to the Abraham Lincoln National  Cemetery in Elwood (down near Channahon) on Sunday, December 11th, to help other volunteers lay wreaths on some of the 27,000 graves that are there. So far, I understand that they have 2,500 wreaths that have been donated.   I am ordering two wreaths because I've had two brothers who served. 

Wouldn't it be great if our "little" town could donate 300 wreaths?  We have 30,000 residents so that would represent one percent of our town.  If you donate, would you write Oswego in the memo section?  It would be a great way for them to keep track of our town's donations.  Or, along with your check, you could include a little note to tell them how you heard of their wonderful project.  

The Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery is built on the old Joliet Arsenal property.  As construction continues, it is slated to eventually hold at least 400,000 graves.  This would make it the largest national cemetery in the country.  They hold an average of 17 burials a day there!  

It is located at 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood IL  60421-9304. 

Volunteer Opportunity:  Won't you join me?  Sunday, December 11th.  We can caravan down, or we can meet up at the check-in point.  I will have badges made up for our OSWEGO VOLUNTEERS.    Arrive between 10:30 and 10:45 a.m.  Sign in as a volunteer.  At that time you will be told where you will go after the ceremony.  Dress Warmly!! 

Please email me if you are going to volunteer: branthonypublishing@yahoo.com

Once again, I hope you will log on to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org to read the inspirational story.  You won't leave dry-eyed...I know I didn't.  I look forward to sharing a meaningful Christmas and holiday season with each of you as we give of ourselves by giving to others.

As always....live an inspired and patriotic week!