To the editor:
It is said that a veteran dies two deaths — one when his or her body actually dies, and one when people stop remembering them and stop saying their name out loud.
Once again, the people of Shelby County will have the opportunity to show how they remember, honor and respect our veterans. The national Wreaths Across America project, which placed 166 wreaths on veterans’ graves in 2016, and 408 wreaths in 2017 at Graceland had a successful fund raising campaign this fall at the Farmer’s Market, but there is still more to be done if we want to equal or top last year’s efforts. The deadline for ordering wreaths is Nov. 30 and they can be purchased by sending a check to the Vets to DC, P.O. Box 408, Anna, Ohio 45302. Wreaths are $15 each or three for $30. Make checks out to Vets to DC and please include a note that indicates if you are donating them and want us to place them or if you are going to pick them up to take to a particular veteran’s grave at Graceland or at another cemetery. You can also purchase wreaths by going on line at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org and follow the prompts to find the Graceland Cemetery (OHSYGC).
This year’s ceremony at Graceland will take place on Dec. 15 at noon. This is a truly remarkable ceremony and shows what a great heart you have for our veterans.
If you signed up to help with this project, please plan to be at the maintenance building at the cemetery between 10:30 and 11 a.m. Also, if you purchased a wreath and planned to pick it up to take it to a particular grave site in Graceland or at another cemetery, you can pick yours up at the maintenance building. Our volunteers will be there to assist you.
If you would like to help with this project, please feel free to come even if you did not sign up. If you are a veteran or the family of a veteran, we also invite you to come and share in our remembrance of veterans at this time of year.
Remember, the deadline for orders is Nov. 30. We also want to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Sidney and Shelby County for their financial support.
Michael J. Bennett
for The Vets to DC Committee
