Recognition of the service and sacrifice of our veterans, and their families, is especially important during the traditional holiday season. The Wreaths Across America program is an annual tradition that serves to honor and remember men and women of the armed forces who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Founded in 1992, the Wreaths Across America program was first initiated by a donation from the Harrington, Maine-based Worcester Wreath Company of 5,000 holiday wreaths to be placed on the headstones of our nation’s fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. Wreaths Across America has grown from a local, community-based outreach program to national nonprofit organization with a mission dedicated to remember, honor, and teach by celebrating the lives of fallen armed service men and women.
Today, Wreaths Across America has grown to include state and federal cemeteries across the country as well as 24 veteran’s cemeteries located on foreign soil. The organization works with local partners and trucking companies to carry out its mission. During previous events trucking companies have helped deliver over 300 loads of wreaths to over 1,000 sites across the country.
In 2008, the annual tradition received an official designation from the United States Congress, which proclaimed that one Saturday each December be known as National Wreaths Across America Day. This important event is to be held on Saturday, December 18. It is important to remember and celebrate the lives of our fallen soldiers.
An important component of the Wreaths Across America program is to teach younger generations the value of our country’s freedoms and the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform in the name of protecting those freedoms. As a way to fulfill this mission, Wreaths Across America’s touches the lives of thousands of schools, scout, civic and religious groups across the country through fundraising for wreath sponsorships. In addition, Wreaths Across America offers many downloadable teaching materials.
There are several ways for those looking to get involved with Wreaths Across America during this year’s event, including sponsoring a wreath or volunteering at local wreath-laying events across the Coastal Bend. In addition to its wreath-laying program, the organization also has other initiatives to pay homage to veterans throughout the year. To learn more visit Wreaths Across America.
If you would like to review more about the legislature, please visit The Texas Legislature Online. If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office; 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.