Take time to honor veterans this December by assisting Wreaths Across America
First, pardon the language, but know what pisses me off? The utter disregard for our veterans. Yes, there are plenty of organizations—the VA, veteran’s support groups, food pantries, airman’s attic and the invaluable resources provided by the USO—that support them. But, seriously, is enough, enough? Are we taking care at all costs the few who protect the many?
I think of my dad during WWII. Fresh faced 20-year-old kid with his life ahead of him. Then the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor obliterated the U.S. Pacific Fleet and changed gears of life dramatically.
Next thing he’s drafted, off to boot camp and stationed in the Philippines. His life was like millions of men and women’s lives—disrupted or hopefully postponed if they made it out alive.
He was a lucky one—he not only made it back home in one piece, but he also met my mom and raised two boys. The GI Bill helped with college.
Don’t get me wrong—this is not bashing veteran’s programs and services. They do an outstanding job but can we do more for these fearless warriors. Think about it: They enlisted for little pay, extreme conditions and risk of losing life and limb. Could you—would you—do the same?
But, with rant over, here is the point of this story. A wonderful group of volunteer men and women, a hearty bunch, are working to ensure every veteran who served is remembered for their sacrifice and service to our beloved country.
It’s Wreaths Across America. These guys and gals are civilian warriors. Their mission is to provide a wreath of remembrance for each and every fallen service member for duty, service and sacrifice.
“Wreaths Across America staff and volunteers are working hard nationwide to ensure that all veterans laid to rest are honored this December on National Wreaths Across America Day, which is December 19, 2020. This year, the ceremonies that are held across the country at more than 2,200 participating locations may look a little different as we make efforts to meet and exceed CDC recommended safety guidelines while also adhering to state, local and cemetery safety measures that have been implemented due to COVID-19,” says Robin Dodge, co-chair, WAA Dayton National Cemetery.
“The goal is to place a live, balsam fir veteran’s wreath (not a holiday or Christmas wreath) at the headstone of every American veteran to remember the fallen, honor those who served and teach future generations the value of freedom,” adds Sean Sullivan, Wreaths Across America public relations liaison.
“Locally, your Dayton National Cemetery Support Committee and support groups are encouraging wreath sponsorship to help sponsor the many wreaths needed to honor every veteran. Wreath sponsorships are only $15, ($5 of which is returned to our community as these funds will go to help local nonprofits). We call this ‘doing good twice,’” adds Dodge. The deadline for 2020 was Nov. 30, but Dodge says they are already accepting orders for 2021.
While the rows of white headstones are already a sight to behold, with the wreaths, well, if you don’t shed a tear or become a bit emotional you are not a true-blue American.
“Every donation and wreath sponsorship is a meaningful gift from a grateful American who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy,” says Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “We are so grateful to the good people of this great nation for participating in our mission to remember, honor and teach.”
For more information or to sponsor a wreath, please visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Just $15 for a wreath is a small measure and sacrifice on our part. How about passing on the Grub Hub order or give up a couple of McDonald’s Extra Value Meals for the cause? How about only filling the gas tank half full? Or, my personal vice, give up Skittles for a month? That’s gonna be tough, but it’s up to each of us to show a small heartfelt way to honor those who have served and, in some instances, gave their all. And finally, it’s been said many times before, but “Let us never, ever forget.”
Godspeed my friends.
Buch
