Most of us have a desire to remember the fallen, honor those who have served and teach our children the value of freedom. One meaningful way to do that this Christmas is to get involved with the Wreaths Across America project. Local volunteers at the Georgia National Cemetery (GNC) Advisory Council are working hard to ensure veterans laid to rest at GNC are honored.
This year’s wreath placement, held across the country at more than 2,500 locations, will be Dec. 17-18. The event is open to the public, 9 a.m.-noon Friday and 10 a.m.-noon Saturday. After placement concludes, a ceremony will begin at noon Saturday. This event helps educate the next generation, as well as community members and visitors, about the services and sacrifices of our nation’s military men and women.
This year’s theme is Live Up to Their Legacy. After a couple of challenging years, Wreaths Across America gives us a way to redirect our focus during the holiday season. The council’s goal is to memorialize 18,000 patriots with a fresh balsam wreath this season.
“The response we see from the community for Wreaths Across America reinforces our commitment to honor these veterans and their families. The wreath program is truly worthy of our combined efforts. This year we are raising approximately $200,000, and 100% of the funds go toward purchasing wreaths. Any incidental expenses are covered by the GNC Advisory Council’s general fund,” Chairman Russ Seltenright said.
The cost to sponsor one wreath is $15, or $10 each if funding more than three. There is a critical need for donors to sponsor 10 wreaths for $100. Visit ganationalcemetery.org for opportunities to support the program. The GNC Advisory Council receives no state or federal funding as a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible, and funds raised support community programs, projects and events, such as Wreaths Across America. Follow #LiveTheirLegacy2021 for nationwide stories.
– Susan Schulz, a Bible teacher and mentor who lives and plays on the Etowah River in Canton. Connect with her on social media or at susanbrowningschulz.com.
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