Wreathes Across America Ceremony Remembers Veterans' Service
Remember. Honor. Teach.
That’s the mission of the Wreaths Across America program, and it’s why Sylvania Boy Scout Troop 2 is one of several groups participating in the organization’s annual event Saturday, Dec. 14, at Toledo Memorial Park. The event, which starts at noon, is free and open to the public.
“It’s so important for young people to learn about the sacrifices made by our veterans,” said Jeff Clegg, president and CEO of Toledo Memorial Park and one of the people coordinating the December program. “Boy Scout Troop 2 was a huge help with our local Wreaths Across America fundraiser this summer, and these experiences make a lasting impression on the lives of young people. That’s why they’re coming back to help us again. They participate and begin to realize what it means that these veterans gave everything for our country.”
Wreaths Across America, a national non-profit organization, coordinates volunteer efforts to place wreaths on the graves of service men and women across the nation. Hundreds of cemeteries, memorial parks and other locations have participated since 2007, but this is the first year for a Wreaths Across America event to take place in the Toledo area. The organization encourages communities to express their appreciation for veterans during the busy holiday season.
Volunteers will place wreaths on the 1,400 graves in the veterans’ section of Toledo Memorial Park (section six) Saturday morning. At noon the volunteers, scouts, local veterans groups and members of the National Guard will participate in a half-hour ceremony to remember those who have fallen and to remind veterans and their families that their service will never be forgotten.
The event is spearheaded by Clegg and local Wreaths Across America volunteer coordinator, Vietnam veteran Mel Harbaugh. Clegg and Harbaugh have worked together to raise funds for the wreaths. The cost of each wreath is $15, and they continue to move closer to their $21,000 goal.
In August, a car show fundraiser for the Toledo Wreaths Across America program raised $4,000, which was double the goal for that event. Individual donations have been significant, and several local businesses have also shown their support, including: Brondes Ford; Cross Heating and Cooling, Inc.; COFC Logistics; Fischer Tool and Die; Franklin Park Lincoln; PNC Bank; Rick’s City Diner; Rohrbachers, Cron, Manahan, Trimble and Zimmerman Co., LPA; Skylife Technology; Toledo Door & Window; Toledo Orthopaedic Surgeons; and Wilkinson Body Shop.
“We still need to raise around $4,000 more,” said Harbaugh. “These men and women gave their lives, and we don’t want anyone to forget that. They did whatever it took, and we will do whatever it takes to make sure all 1,400 graves are marked with a wreath this holiday season.” For information about how to sponsor a wreath or volunteer, contact Harbaugh at (419) 349-9192 or [email protected].
Press Release Contact Name: Karen Baker
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Wreaths Across America
Organization Address: Toledo, OH