LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Each year, millions of Americans come together to remember the fallen, honor those that serve and their families, and teach others about the true value of freedom as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.
This gathering of volunteers and patriots takes place in local, state, and national cemeteries in all 50 states — including Hartley Cemetery, Kelseyville Cemetery, Upper Lake Cemetery, Lower Lake Cemetery, Middletown and St. Mary’s Lakeport Cemeteries.
This year, National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, Dec. 18. The event is free and open to the public.
The observance will begin at 9 a.m. all the cemeteries noted above in Lake County.
In 2020, approximately 1.7 million veterans’ wreaths were placed by volunteers on headstones at 2,557 participating locations around the country in honor of the service and sacrifices made for our freedoms, with each name said out loud.
“Wreaths Across America volunteers work year-round to ensure military laid to rest are remembered, their families and living veterans are honored, and the next generation is taught about the value of freedom,” said Toni Funderburg, site coordinator for Hartley Cemetery. “Each year a new theme is chosen to help volunteers and supporters focus their messaging and outreach in their own communities. The theme for 2021 Wreaths Across America is ‘Live Up to Their Legacy.’”
The inspiration for this year’s theme came from a statement made by United States Army Chief of Staff General James C. McConville, in an interview with Chris Wallace on ‘Fox News Sunday’ in November 2020.
General McConville was speaking on behalf of the United States Army and the opening of the National Museum of the United States Army.
In the discussion, he said, “We stand on the shoulders of heroes that have gone before us, and really what we strive to do is live up to their legacy.”
His message was heard by Wreaths Across America Executive Director Karen Worcester, and many others, and resonated deeply.
“Listening to this man, who is a hero in his own right, spoke about what and who motivates him is inspiring,” said Worcester. “It is the men and women who serve, everyday people, giving of themselves for their country and communities. I urge everyone to look to the people and the families that have made these sacrifices to keep this country free and live up to their legacy.”
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992.
The organization’s mission — “Remember, Honor, Teach” — is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.
Boy Scout Troop 42 in Lakeport, Girl Scouts and Big Valley 4-H in Kelseyville, the Lake County 4-H Group in Lower Lake and FFA in Upper Lake and Middletown will be accepting donations for wreaths until Nov. 29.
It is the goal of each sponsoring group to place a holiday wreath on each veteran gravesite at the cemeteries listed. To do this, they need your help.
Individual sponsorships cost $15 for one wreath and the family option costs $60 for four wreaths.
Small businesses can fund 10 wreaths for $150 and corporations can sponsor 100 or more wreaths for $1,500 or any amount can be sponsored for $15 per wreath.
Funderburg said sponsorship forms can be picked up at Lakeport Tire & Auto Service, 1901 S. Main St. Lakeport or you can call 707-263-5422 and they will fax or email you a sponsorship form.
The last day to sponsor wreaths is Monday, Nov. 29.
People can register to volunteer or sponsor a wreath at Hartley Cemetery by visiting https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/CA0090P or choose another cemetery in Lake County or sponsor a group in Lake County by visiting this website.
There is no better time to express appreciation for our veterans than during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Everyone knows or has known a veteran.
Join them by sponsoring a wreath to be placed in honor of a veteran this December. The group will ensure that the sacrifice of veterans is remembered yet again and passed on to a new generation of Americans.
Fundraising begins for Lake County’s Wreaths Across America event on Dec. 18
- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
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