 |
Mom and Aunt Barbara in 2011 laying a wreath
at their dad's site. He was a WWII vet. |
My mom, as part of the Gold Star Moms of Washington, has been involved with Wreaths Across America (WAA) for the last two years. It's a program that started in 1992 to further and expand the annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery as well as other veterans' cemeteries and sites and nationwide.
Daily Sun News, Nov. 4, 2011
Along with Grandview's American Legion Post 57 and a couple other local ladies, mom has spearheaded the movement in Grandview and Prosser, organizing volunteers to lay wreaths and collecting donations for wreath sponsorships. She's been getting up before the sun to get paperwork in order, write notes to friends in the community and make sure she's doing all she can to raise awareness in our community.
She's also made presentations to local organizations, clubs, children's groups and more to teach them about the importance of honoring veterans and invite them to get involved, which last year spurred a few local AAU youth basketball teams to help with wreath laying. Mom still talks about how great it was to see some of the kiddos in the community lend a hand and take part in a ceremony where they personally honor veterans. She was excited to tell me today that AAU has again sponsored wreaths this year.
Prosser Record Bulletin (see pg. 22), Nov. 11, 2011
Mom's dedication to securing wreaths for local vets is an inspiration. I think the part I find most commendable is she makes sure to stick to the WAA's mission,
Remember, Honor, Teach, as she reaches out to get people involved. The organization's master goal is to collect sponsorships for wreaths, but it also serves to reinforce and share the importance of remembering fallen heroes, honoring those who served and teaching the community about the service and sacrifice of veterans to protect and preserve freedom.
Daily Sun News, Dec. 12, 2011
Last year, her first year as a location leader, mom thought maybe they'd get 50 wreath sponsorships, so imagine how surprised she was when the closing number was 150! This year, she has already received donations for more than 120, with people calling or mailing from far and wide to participate. Some do it for their veteran family members, some do it for strangers, but all do it out of honor and remembrance.
This post isn't meant to persuade you to participate (but if you want to,
click here or
email me. The ordering deadline is Nov. 15), I'm simply writing to share a story about my mom that I want to remember, one that I can share with Rolin someday that when we tell him about how his great grandparents, grandpa, cousins, uncles, friends and other family members have served, and the importance of remembering and honoring veterans, both present and past.
Mom, Jill, Francie, MaryJane and Barbara at the 2011 wreath-laying ceremony. Photos courtesy of MaryJane.
The 2012 National Wreath Laying Remembrance Ceremony starts at 9 a.m. PST, Dec. 15.
