PIQUA — Saturday, Dec. 16 is Wreaths Across America Day. WAA began as The Arlington Wreath project started by Morrill Worcester in 1992 with the donation to and laying of 5,000 Christmas wreaths in Arlington National Cemetery. It was relatively obscure until 2005, when a photo of the stones adorned with wreaths and covered in snow circulated around the internet. The project received national attention.
In 2006, over 150 state and national cemeteries held wreath-laying ceremonies simultaneously. By 2008, over 300 locations held wreath-laying ceremonies in every state, Puerto Rico and 24 overseas cemeteries. Over 100,000 wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves. Over 60,000 volunteers participated.
This year, the goal locally is to adorn every veteran’s grave in all veterans’ sections in Forest Hill Cemetery in Piqua.This is made possible through the efforts of Melcher-Sowers Funeral Home in conjunction with the American Legion Post 184, the Korean War Veterans Association Western Ohio Chapter, and the Veterans of Foreign War Post 4874.
The Blue Jays Youth Group of Bethel United Methodist Church, Girl Scout Troop 30006, and members of the community will assist with the laying of the wreaths.
WAA reaches out to thousands of children each year with the message of “Remember, Honor and Teach.” The importance of honoring each fallen serviceman/woman as an individual is stressed. This year the wreath-laying will be on the third Saturday of December and was unanimously voted by the U.S. Congress as “Wreaths Across America™ Day.” By offering sponsorships to the public, Wreaths Across America hopes that one day every veteran’s resting place will be adorned with a wreath for the holiday season.
Melcher-Sowers Funeral Home is honored to be the official local sponsor for Wreaths Across America, as well as a member of the Veterans & Family Memorial Care.
Residents can honor a hero and any other veterans by sponsoring a $15 wreath to adorn their grave. From now through Nov. 24, stop in and order a wreath for a hero at Melcher-Sowers Funeral Home, 646 W. High St., Piqua, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Wreaths will be available for pickup by Friday, Dec. 15, at the funeral home.
For questions or more information, call 937-773-1647.
