Wreaths Across America

[EMT-83]

By chance, I saw the Wreaths Across America motorcade on the highway this morning, working its way to Arlington National Cemetery. It was quite a sight, the trailer trucks being escorted by about a dozen police cars and numerous private vehicles. Despite the frigid rain there was even a motorcycle, I assume one of the Patriot Guard Riders.

Cadets from my squadron will be participating on Saturday, laying wreaths with members of the local VFW post.

[Spike]

My Squadron is participating as well. I enjoy honoring our veterans this way.

[Big_Ed]

We participated last year, very nice service.  We were at the wreath laying at our state capitol on Monday.  My squadron will be participating at Ft. Indiantown Gap (near Harrisburg).    This is a very worthwile activity.

[AC]

We are participating again this year. We will be laying over 1,000 wreaths. The AFROTC and the Patriot Guard Riders have volunteered to help.

[CAPTShaw]

Our Squadron will be participating at the Cemetery of the Alleghenies in South Western PA

[DogCollar]

Our squadron will be laying wreaths at Ft. Harrison National Cemetary outside of Richmond, VA.

[Airrace]

One of the things on my to do list is to visit Arlington National Cemetery during the wreath ceremony. I have heard it is great!

[Angus]

I'm working with a Wreaths Across America tomorrow.  Thinking of wearing two hats, CAP and Knights of Columbus who is also a big supporter of the event and helping the squadron running it tomorrow. 

[Slim]

I'll be out at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Mi again this year.  We have over 2,000 wreaths to lay this year.

[argentip]

I will also be out at Great Lakes tomorrow.  I was also at the State Capitol on Monday.  Good ceremony with CAP, Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC all represented.  I'm glad to see the program growing the way it is.  As Slim said, we have over 2,000 wreaths to lay and it sounds like we will have hundreds of people present to lay them.  It should be a really great day.  (The sun is even supposed to come out for us.)

[RADIOMAN015]

Well I just got back from attending our squadron's formal ceremony ( 1 other squadron in our area laid 300 wreaths earlier this morning) at one of the state's veterans cemetery.   With the wind blowing (which is actually nice since the flags are extended) it was about 16F degrees, and we have snow on the ground.   About 75 people watched on with a contingent of CAP honor guard/escorts, Knight of Columbus, VFW Patriot Riders (some even came by motorcycle, wow ,  POW/MIA ladies, all the military service represented by the coordinatiion efforts of the local Military Entrance Processing Station) participated in the ceremony. 
I had called two TV stations out 3 & 1 showed up a bit late, but the one I hadn't been able to contact arrived earily and directly filmed the whole ceremony.
Regardless of the news coverage, it was a very nice ceremony (and may me proud of our cadets) that I'm sure was looked upon by our deceased veterans and their families in a very positive manner :clap:.
RM     

[Gunner C]

 :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[NCRblues]

Fox news just talked about CAP and the wreaths program! Not very long, but kind of nice to get mentioned in the national news for something good.

[High Speed Low Drag]

I have to give props to our sister SQ - Rogers Composite Squadron (115th).  They organized 6,700 wreaths being laid and over 1,000 volunteers.  There had been an AR-ANG A-10 flyby scheduled, but I hadn't heard if that was scrubbed due to weather.  Gov. Beebe was in attendance, as well as Sen. Lincoln.

We had a nice little ceremony in Little Rock.  Had a Rear Adm, USCGA & two USCGA Captains in attendance.  The only way I could tell that was when I got close up I could see the "A" on the hard rank.

Remember the true heroes - those that fought for freedom.

[RiverAux]

We had a nice little ceremony in Little Rock.  Had a Rear Adm, USCGA& two USCGA Captains in attendance.  The only way I could tell thatwas when I got close up I could see the "A" on the hard rank.

FYI, they don't use those rank names except that the "Rear Adm" would be called Commodore.  The other difference is that they would have been wearing silver braid on their sleeves instead of the gold that the regular Coasties would be wearing. 

[High Speed Low Drag]

They had overcoats on.  They don's call O-6 (Eagles) Captain in USCGA?

Thanks for the board's indulgence on this little hi-jack.

[Eclipse]

Here's an image that will stay with me for a while...



The last photo of the series has CAP members in the background:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/12/12/washington.arlington.wreath/index.html

[JROB]

The Millington Composite Squadron provided a color guard for a small ceremony at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. The program was hosted by the Patriot Guard Riders, and our chaplain was given the honor of presenting the wreath for the Air Force.

[Airrace]

Here's an image that will stay with me for a while...



The last photo of the series has CAP members in the background:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/12/12/washington.arlington.wreath/index.html

Great photo!

[Gunner C]

Sad, sobering photo . . .

[DogCollar]

For the first time in my 3.5 year CAP career, I got to participate in this event.  It was truly a very humbling and meaningful event.  We placed 650 wreaths on the markers for veterans from the Civil War through Viet Nam.  I look forward to doing it again next year!!

[DrDave]

I was honored to organize the event for the fourth year in a row at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, our nation's second largest veterans' cemetery.

Over 1,000 wreaths were layed very quickly by the, almost, 200 people in attendance. 

I was personally happy to see more children in attendance this year, including more CAP cadets assisting.

Dr. Dave