June 29, 2007
Greetings,
July Fourth is nearly upon us! Can you believe it already? In this month's installment of the Wreaths Across America Newsletter we will share news of how CAP cadets are out nationally seeking wreath sponsorships. We recap several stories about MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND events, and throw in several new projects you can get involved with, and how you can help us reach our goal in expanding the mission to Remember; Honor; & Teach.
CAP Cadets Seeking Sponsorships
This month cadets from Civil Air Patrol are hitting the streets and knocking on doors in a national campaign to sponsor wreaths for our veterans.A portion of the proceeds will be used to support Civil Air Patrol and their cadets performing missions for America. $15 will sponsor one wreath to be laid at the headstone of one of our Nation's veterans.
In conjunction with the national campaign, prizes will be given to the top performing cadet and squadron for their contribution in remembering those we've lost.
To learn more about Civil Air Patrol and its partnership with Wreaths Across America,
Click Here (CAP)
Cookbooks Benefiting Wreaths Across America Available for Order
For 15 years, the Worcester Wreath Company has decorated the graves of more than 5,000 soldiers buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Worcester Wreath Company is expanding their program, and through the Wreaths Across America (WAA) project they will send wreaths to each of the more than 230 state and national veterans cemeteries. As a partner in the WAA campaign, the Maine Funeral Directors Association has produced a cookbook. Proceeds from the sale of the cookbook will support the WAA campaign. To order a copy of the cookbook, visit The MEFDA siteor contact the Maine FDA at 207-729-9100.
Here's a little teaser on the tasties:
1. There are in excess of 400 recipes from friends of Wreaths Across America nationwide.
2. The Cookbook is complete and will be available by the end of September.
3. Orders are now being taken on a first come, first serve basis.
ORDER NOW - you don't want miss out!
Only 700 copies available.
Here's OUR CHALLENGE
The push is on the garner more sponsorships for the 2007 wreath-laying events. December seems along ways away in the summer heat of July, but preparations are already underway with a goal of laying 2500 or more wreaths at each participating locations. With over 200 State and National cemeteries on the list from last year’s events – that’s 500,000 wreaths!WE NEED YOUR HELP. Whether you become a sponsor yourself, or help us identify a corporate-level sponsor in your network or community – you can take a leadership role in paying tribute to veterans for their past, present, and future sacrifices made for our Country.
Many businesses and civic groups would love to demonstrate their support in a way that visibly shows clients and colleagues where our priorities lie. It takes a dedicated individual like you to ask.
For more information about our business/group promotional package, contact Maj. Wayne Merritt or talk with your local contact person for the participating locations in your area. Do your part to make this the biggest event possible for your State and local area.
Recap from Stone Mountain
Last month we told you about Task Force Patriot and this year’s Salute to the Troops at Stone Mountain Park, Georgia. The Worcester family and CAP would like to thank Jim and Peggy Freeman, and all the volunteers involved with this great event. It was unbelievable weekend of southern hospitality, great music, inspirational speakers, and patriotism in full display. Over 140,000 people in attendance were able to watch the Wreaths Across America videos ‘Many Voices – One Mission’ and ‘The Arlington Wreath Project’ raising awareness to an even higher level. We can’t say enough about the work the Freemans and all the good folks involved with the Memorial Day weekend event have put forward in saying thank you to our troops. We can’t wait to see what you have planned for next year!
In the picture below, Morrill Worcester enjoys a moment on the top of Stone Mountain with his two daughters and grandson.
Memorial Day events at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
And lastly, I would like to leave you with a peek at what was happening around the Country this last month.
With special thanks to Roseann Santore, we are able to share a sample of events from one of our participating locations at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. Roseann wrote that over 5,500 people were in attendance for the wreath-laying ceremony. Along with a keynote speaker and musical selections, re-enactors Max and Donna Daniels made an appearance as Abe Lincoln and Mary Todd.
Sounds like the folks in Elwood really know how to put on a patriotic event! We can’t wait to hear what you have planned for the Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremonies on Saturday, December 15th. Thanks again Roseann for sharing the news with our newsletter community.
If you have a special event to honor veterans that you would like to share, please feel free to email me with a recap and one or two photos. We can’t promise to work them all in, but we love hearing about spirit of patriotism all around the Country.
