To the editor:
The Vets to DC committee, assisted by the Shelby County Historical Society, is once again kicking off the Wreaths Across America program. This is the fourth year for this program here in Sidney and each year has been bigger and more rewarding for those involved. But aside from that, each year has shown just how much the residents of Sidney and Shelby County respect and honor our veterans.
If you are not familiar with this program, our committee is selling fresh, Balsam wreaths which will be put on the tombstones of our veterans at the Graceland Cemetery and other cemeteries in the county. The ceremony will take place on Dec. 14 at noon at over 1,600 sites across the country, including our national cemeteries both here and abroad.
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) organization. The event usually takes only an hour, and we do this rain or shine (or more precisely, snow or ice). Corporate sponsors — what better way to show your employees and their veteran relatives how much you appreciate them than by sponsoring wreaths. Moms and dads, come buy a wreath and then plan to take your children to the cemetery that day to remember and honor your relative who served.
The committee is selling the wreaths ($15 each or three for $30) at the Farmer’s Market for the next four weeks. You can also order wreaths on line at this site: Wreaths Across America https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
Once you get to that site, just follow the prompts and you can make your donation. You can also sign up to help. If you purchase wreaths on line, be sure to use our location code: OHSYGC.
This year, our goal is right at 500 wreaths which will be placed at the flag pole area and throughout section 7 at Graceland. If you have a veteran relative buried in some other section or in another cemetery, feel free to pick your wreath up and take it to your relative’s tombstone. All pick-up wreaths will be available after 10 a.m. on the morning of Dec. 14.
The deadline for ordering wreaths this year is Friday, Nov. 15.
The residents of Sidney and Shelby County have really set the standard for honoring and remembering veterans. Please stop by the table at the market to purchase wreaths or make a donation.
Mike Bennett
Vets to DC Committe
