2007 Wreaths Across America

[badger bob]

Wreaths Across America and Civil Air Patrol join together to kick-off a National Sponsorship Campaign

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. - 52 Civil Air Patrol wings will be participating in a partnership with Wreaths Across America in which the public will be provided a first-ever opportunity to sponsor the placement of holiday wreaths on veterans graves across the U.S. in 2007.

The Civil Air Patrol and Wreaths Across America will hold a press conference on Thursday, March 1, at 3:00 p.m. in the Madison Room at the Crystal Gateway Marriot in Arlington, Va., to kick off the 2007 Wreaths Across America project. The wreath-laying ceremonies will be held on Dec. 15, 2007.

Wreaths Across America began in 2006 as an offshoot of the Arlington National Cemetery wreath project, which was started in 1992 with the annual placement of wreaths donated by Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The Wreaths Across America ceremonies were conducted largely by CAP wings and squadrons with the help of veterans' organizations; private citizens; the Maine State Society of Washington, D.C., which annually assists with the laying of wreaths at Arlington; and the Patriot Guard Riders, an organization consisting of nearly 80,000 motorcyclists whose primary mission is the attend the funeral of fallen heroes nationwide. In its first year, Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremonies were held at more than 240 national and state veterans' cemeteries across the country and in Puerto Rico.

In addition to sponsored wreaths, 10,000 holiday wreaths for Arlington National Cemetery and 4,000 holiday wreaths for ceremonies in all 50 states plus offshore veteran's cemeteries around the world will be donated by Worcester Wreath Co. in 2007. "Our mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom," said Karen Worcester, Wreaths Across America executive director. "Thousands of CAP members last year participated and helped us to do just that, and this year's Wreaths Across America promises to take this worthwhile endeavor to even greater heights."

"CAP is a proud partner with Wreaths Across America," said CAP National Commander Maj. Gen. Antonio J. Pineda. "This project will provide citizens across the country the opportunity to join with CAP members in celebrating the freedom we all enjoy by honoring those who made it possible -- our fallen heroes."


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Just imagine the impact of hosting Arlington-like wreath-laying events at over 200 locations all around the Country! Last year we saw a tremendous reception with just the 6-ceremonial wreaths at each of the State and National veterans' cemeteries. But with the new 'Sponsor a Wreath' program, groups, businesses and individuals will now have the where-with-all to participate in the event on the same scale as what we've seen at Arlington over the last 15 years.
We've received emails, letters and calls from many interested parties asking to do just this very thing - and in partnership with Civil Air Patrol, Wreaths Across America is moving to meet this need.

And the greatest part is, the sponsorship will not only fund the laying of a wreaths on one or more headstones during the holidays, but will also provide for the other stated missions, to Honor; & Teach with outreach programs to both veterans and educational opportunities for children all around the Country.

For more information about the new National Sponsorship Campaign, check out the website at: www.wreaths-across-america.org

[ddelaney103]

It's a nice thing to do.  The only hangup I have is they don't put them on non-Christian headstones (they leave US flags instead).  Considering Christmas Wreaths are the adoption of a pre-Christian, Winter Solstice tradition, it seems a little odd.

I suppose they could put it on the Wiccan headstones as well, but since you can't have a VA headstone with a Wiccan symbol, I guess it's a moot point.

[badger bob]

I believe the intent of this program is to honor all servicemen and women without discrimination.

This is truly one of the more honorable programs that CAP can be involved in nationwide.

[LtCol White]

Since Xmas is a Christian celebration and the wreath is a symbol of this celebration, I think its appropriate that it only be placed on Christian graves. While some may see this as discriminatory, I think it respects those of the Non-Christian faiths. Perhaps a Jew, Muslim, or other would find it disrespectful of their traditions to have someone assume they want a Christian symbol placed on their grave. Placing an American flag seems an appropriate substitute because it makes no assumptions or impositions for those other faiths but it does show that they have been respected and not been forgotten or neglected because they aren't  Christian. It shows that even at the time of a Christian celebration, time is taken to remember those Non-Christians who made the same sacrifices as their Christian brothers in arms. Few veterans or families would object to having a flag placed on a grave.

I think the way this is handled is very appropriate and brings credit on all those involved.

[brasda91]

Just received this e-mail.  For those of you that have participated, how did you present this to your friends and family members?  Print off some pictures and describe the ceremony, ask for a donation and then send in the multiple checks along with your form?

Veterans of Kentucky and the Nation
To be Honored by the CAP in
2nd Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony
December 15, 2007 12 noon EST

Dear Squadron Commander:

We at Wreaths Across America invite you, your squadron, and their families to attend a wreath laying ceremony at any local veterans' cemetery. Seven wreaths, one representing each branch of the military and POW/MIA, have been donated to each cemetery.

This year nearly 15,000 wreaths will be donated by Worcester Wreath Company, 10,000 of which are destined for Arlington National Cemetery, doubling last year's donation. The generous donation of all these wreaths will be made by Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine who has enjoyed the privilege of placing the wreaths on the graves of veterans at Arlington.

The placement of the wreaths at Arlington has created a breathtaking scene of rows upon rows of red and green since 1992. Those who see it claim they will never forget. The event has inspired many to strive to create a similar experience in their local veterans' cemeteries. This is also a great community service opportunity for your unit to participate in.

This year Worcester Wreath has contracted with Wreaths Across America to provide up to an additional 500,000 wreaths nationally in effort to create the Arlington experience at veterans' cemeteries all over the country. The wreaths will be made on an as needed basis, dictated by the number of sponsorships sold. That's 2500 wreaths at each participating cemetery.

**THERE ARE 7 WEEKS LEFT TO COLLECT ALL SPONSORSHIPS**

As you know, we enjoy our freedoms because of the sacrifices of our veterans. Read on for WHY and HOW your squadron can remember and honor them with your participation:

WHY

There are 22 CAP Squadrons in Kentucky; there are 8 Kentucky cemeteries participating; there are 2,500 wreaths available for sponsorship for each location, therefore your squadron would need to sell 908 sponsorships. This means $1816.00 raised for your squadron.

The squadron member selling the most sponsorships in the country wins an all expense paid trip to Washington, DC to participate in the 2007 Arlington ceremony.
The squadron selling the most sponsorships in the country will chose a member and a guest for an all expense paid trip to Washington, DC to also participate in the 2007 ceremony there.




HOW

Easy Steps   Comments
1. Divide WAA pins among squadron members. Print as many sponsorship forms as needed.    It is not necessary to give each sponsor a pin. However, more pins are available from WAA. Sponsorship forms can be downloaded and printed from the National CAP website.
2. Mobilize squadron members into the community to solicit sponsorships.   See instructional video on the National CAP website. Each sponsorship is $15.
3. Raise money for your squadron and to remember and honor our veterans.   Mail all funds ($15.00 for each sponsorship) to Wreaths Across America PO Box 256 Harrington. ME 04643
4. Your squadron receives $2.00 for every sponsorship sold.   Wreaths Across America will send $2.00 for every sponsorship to CAP National Headquarters. National Headquarters will then disperse funds to your squadron.


We apologize for the length of this email, but hope it helps clarify the process. In order to help us prepare for and organize this tremendous event, we ask for the favor of clicking on the following link. There it will take you approximately 2 minutes to answer 10-12 questions regarding your squadron. Please answer the brief survey questions, EVEN IF YOUR SQUADRON IS NOT ABLE TO PARTICIPATE. This will allow us to try and make alternate arrangements for the cemeteries in your area.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=u8XSODiKpP585G2xPBq71w_3d_3d

The following information may also be helpful. It may aid in coordination for you to be in touch with the WAA Director in your area. However, it is not necessary for you to contact the WAA Director for each location.


Name of Cemetery   WAA Director   Phone   Email
Kentucky Veterans Cemetery, West Hopkinsville   Capt Wilson Polidura   

Lebanon National Cemetery, Lebanon   Hayden Johnson   

Cove Hill National Cemetery, Louisville   Walt Oster   

Zachary Taylor National Cemetery, Louisville   

Lexington National Cemetery, Lexington   Julie Curry   

Camp Nelson National Cemetery, Nicholasville   Julie Curry   

Danville National Cemetery, Danville   Steve Verrigni   

Mill Springs National Cemetery, Nancy   


Not only is this a great way for your squadron to raise funds, but the CAP will be responsible for placing wreaths on up to 500,000 veterans' graves all over this great country.  Be part of this important mission!

Sincerely,
Civil Air Patrol Project Officers


Major Wayne Merritt (207) 483-2039 wayne@wreathsacrossamerica.org
Major Dennis Murray (207) 427-3421 dmurray1@verizon.net

[jimmydeanno]

Great program, I've sold about $600.00 worth of these things already...I'm glad they extended the original deadline...

[brasda91]

Great program, I've sold about $600.00 worth of these things already...I'm glad they extended the original deadline...

Thanks awesome.  Can you give us some tips/pointers on how you have presented the program?  How have you been successful ?

[jimmydeanno]

Our squadron PAO first presented the program to our squadron noting that CAP had partnered with WAA and made note of the financial benefits the squadron would get out of it.

We got a donation form and I ran with it from there.

I found the copy of the Volunteer online that had the article about it, made a PDF that has only that article and printed a few to hand out when I asked for the donations.

For the most part, I started about a month ago with co-workers and family friends asking if they'd like to sponsor at least one - that got about 10 sold.

Then I thought to myself, heck, I can do better than this and went to some small local businesses.  This was good because small businesses and sole props.  like tax deductions and like being known in the community for supporting local groups (baseball, football, CAP, etc).  I've found this works best with small construction companies, and other 'trade' type businesses.

So, wearing my Polo Shirt combo and my best smile, I spoke to the owners, told them what the program was about and asked for the donation.  I specifically noted how it a) honors fallen soldiers b) helps youth gain a respect and understanding of sacrifice and c) helps to support local activities as well as the national effort.

With that approach, I've received 5 small business donations @ $90 each.  Of course in the routine I've been rejected numerous times.  But as with any sales type thing, you just need to press on.

The cadets in the squadron are working pretty hard doing this too and a few have sold about 5 wreaths, but younger cadets have a hard time selling anything because they can't answer a lot of the questions or think "on the fly" like our more seasoned members.  However, we talked to them all, told them points to focus on - told them to cry to seal the deal... (just kidding)

It also helps if the people selling them actually support the cause. 

I asked my mother if she wanted to sponsor one, she sponsored 5  because she believed in the cause.  It also helped that her husband, my stepfather, was a Navy Vet and died a few years back.  He is buried in a Veteran Cemetery and she thought it would be nice to do something like this.

I'd like to cap it off with a corporate donation ($1,000) but it's tough...I think I can do it though

[RogueLeader]

^ a definite Bravo Zulu, and a Hooah.

[Eclipse]

Wreath ceremonies to honor veterans Dec. 15

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123078668

[RogueLeader]

I'm helping with ours, and glad to be doing it.

[Slim]

My unit started participating back in August, as a way to replace our single annual fundraiser (that we temporarily lost).  At first, it was all about the money, and making up the $1000 we lost from the other deal.

So, we sold about 150 wreaths on our own at a couple of different fairs.  What really blew the door open was giving a presentation at a meeting for a police officer's association.  That one meeting got us invited to two other meetings, went to those two and were invited to more, until we made about 20 presentations to different service clubs:  three different police officer's associations, the largest AmVets post in the metro Detroit area, two American Legion posts (which was really six, considering that both of them also had their AL auxiliary and Sons of the AL meetings at the same time), two different motorcycle club chapters (the club is exclusively for police officers and firefighters).  I don't honestly remember off the top of my head how many places we went to.  I say "We" collectively, most of the work was done by my unit commander, while I stayed back to run the squadron for him.

Each of these presentations brought out a story.  The one AmVets post we went to had recently lost a member of their Son's of AmVets in Iraq.  One of the motorcycle club members told us of his three sons-one of which was a former CAP cadet.  One is a Blackhawk pilot in Iraq, another was getting ready to mob for Iraq, and the third had just finished IET/OSUT, and his first duty unit has warning orders to go to Iraq in the spring.  He was looking at the reality of having all three of his sons there at the same time.

As these presentations went on, the stories got to be quite an emotional burden.  Before we knew it, this project wasn't about the money anymore; it was about the message, and never forgetting the sacrifices made.

We still did ok, we ended up selling 527 of them.

Last Wednesday, my unit commander (and room mate) took over as the site coordinator for the national cemetary in our area.  There were still quite a few things left to be done, and we've (my roommates wife is also a member) been throwing most of our spare time at getting this thing off the ground.  We're expecting 200-300 people out there on Saturday.

I have a special mission I've taken on for Saturday.  Just before Thanksgiving, I received a note on one of the social networking sites that was a first hand account from an ANG honor guard troop.  He performed a funeral for a veteran the week before Thanksgiving, with no family present (the only attendees were him and his partner, 8 guys from VFW to perform the rifle salute and play taps, and the kid who drove the hearse).  This veteran had no family, nobody to present the flag to, and was buried in a cardboard box!  I've made it my mission to make sure this gentleman has a wreath on his grave this year.

We're already starting on Wreaths Across America 2008.  One of the state veterans commissions contacted us asking if it was too late to make a donation for this year.  They've already committed to sponsoring 1000 wreaths for next year.

[jimmydeanno]

^Way to go Slim!  That is awesome! 

[off topic]Just out of curiosity, what was your single annual fundraiser that lost you $1,000?[/off topic]

[LtCol White]

It's a nice thing to do.  The only hangup I have is they don't put them on non-Christian headstones (they leave US flags instead).  Considering Christmas Wreaths are the adoption of a pre-Christian, Winter Solstice tradition, it seems a little odd.

I suppose they could put it on the Wiccan headstones as well, but since you can't have a VA headstone with a Wiccan symbol, I guess it's a moot point.

Actually I saw where a wiccan headstone was approved by VA.

[ddelaney103]

It's a nice thing to do.  The only hangup I have is they don't put them on non-Christian headstones (they leave US flags instead).  Considering Christmas Wreaths are the adoption of a pre-Christian, Winter Solstice tradition, it seems a little odd.

I suppose they could put it on the Wiccan headstones as well, but since you can't have a VA headstone with a Wiccan symbol, I guess it's a moot point.

Actually I saw where a wiccan headstone was approved by VA.

Yes.  That quote was from close to a year ago - they changed it since then.

Though the wreaths are still only for Christians...

[Psicorp]

It's a nice thing to do.  The only hangup I have is they don't put them on non-Christian headstones (they leave US flags instead).  Considering Christmas Wreaths are the adoption of a pre-Christian, Winter Solstice tradition, it seems a little odd.

I suppose they could put it on the Wiccan headstones as well, but since you can't have a VA headstone with a Wiccan symbol, I guess it's a moot point.

Actually I saw where a wiccan headstone was approved by VA.

Yes.  That quote was from close to a year ago - they changed it since then.

Though the wreaths are still only for Christians...

I find it amusing that so many things are considered "Christian" now that started out being from another religion (Easter, Christmas Day, Christmas trees, wreaths, Halloween alternative 'Fall Festivals', just to name a few).   I had no idea they weren't putting wreaths on EVERY grave.   I'm firing off a letter to the organization.

[ddelaney103]

It's a nice thing to do.  The only hangup I have is they don't put them on non-Christian headstones (they leave US flags instead).  Considering Christmas Wreaths are the adoption of a pre-Christian, Winter Solstice tradition, it seems a little odd.

I suppose they could put it on the Wiccan headstones as well, but since you can't have a VA headstone with a Wiccan symbol, I guess it's a moot point.

Actually I saw where a wiccan headstone was approved by VA.

Yes.  That quote was from close to a year ago - they changed it since then.

Though the wreaths are still only for Christians...

I find it amusing that so many things are considered "Christian" now that started out being from another religion (Easter, Christmas Day, Christmas trees, wreaths, Halloween alternative 'Fall Festivals', just to name a few).   I had no idea they weren't putting wreaths on EVERY grave.   I'm firing off a letter to the organization.

They mention it on their website (Question 6):

http://www.wreaths-across-america.org/faqs.html

[LtCol White]

I dont really see it as discriminatory. The wreath has come to symbolize Christmas. By putting a flag, they are showing that the non christians are not forgotten and they are respecting their non-christian beliefs.

In the society in which we live, we all know SOMEONE would file a lawsuit claiming offense if a wreath was put on their relative's non-christian grave even if it WAS done out of respect. Its sad but true and I'm sure this probably why they don't do it.

This being said, if there was a way to attach a symbol of the religion on the ribbon, it might fly. eg: Star of David for Jews, Pentagram for Wiccan, Crescent for muslim, etc...

[ddelaney103]

I dont really see it as discriminatory. The wreath has come to symbolize Christmas. By putting a flag, they are showing that the non christians are not forgotten and they are respecting their non-christian beliefs.

In the society in which we live, we all know SOMEONE would file a lawsuit claiming offense if a wreath was put on their relative's non-christian grave even if it WAS done out of respect. Its sad but true and I'm sure this probably why they don't do it.

This being said, if there was a way to attach a symbol of the religion on the ribbon, it might fly. eg: Star of David for Jews, Pentagram for Wiccan, Crescent for muslim, etc...

The difficulty is once you start dabbling in religion, you find the pastoral fields are liberally laced with mines.

I can just as easily see some Christian relative pitching a fit for putting a wreath - not every sect is big on Christmas or wreaths.  Because of the combination of pagan customs and profane revelry, Christmas celebrations were banned in places like Williamsburg back in colonial times.

I know WAA means well, but I sometimes wonder if this should be such a headline mission for CAP.

[Psicorp]

I guess I've never really considered a wreath as being a religious symbol.  It just makes sense to use wreaths in Winter...flowers don't usually grow and wreath materials are pretty easy to come by (not to mention last longer).

What I wonder is how much of the placement instructions is due to a fear of offending the  fallen and their families and how much is a fear of offending those who are placing the wreaths.