Officers and CAP Cadets participate in the Wreaths Across America Ceremony at the National Guard Armory last Saturday. From left: Officer Andrea Sippel, Deputy Wes Thomas, Rory Winter, Brandon Miller, Justin Miller, Tracen Filter, and Akeah Gussie.
Posted
Ton Winter
WHEATLAND-Wreaths Across America (WAA) is celebrated nation wide. Evergreen wreaths are distributed on the graves of Veterans at 1,400 cemeteries of small towns and crowded metropolises.
WAA was an idea of a business owner in Maine back in 1992. Morrill Worcester won a trip to Washington D.C. when he was just a 12-year-old paper boy for the Bangor Daily News in Maine. Arlington National Cemetery made an indelible impression on him. He attributed his later business success and good fortune was made possible by the Veterans who sacrificed their life for our nation. In 1992, Worcester Wreath was coming to the end of the holiday season and they still had over 5,000 wreaths in the warehouse. He realized he had a unique opportunity to honor our Veterans and with the help of Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, the excess wreaths were placed in one of the older sections of Arlington Cemetery.
The tribute became an annual tradition, but received national attention when a photo of the stones at Arlington adorned with festive wreaths became an internet sensation in 2005. Requests to emulate this honor came in from all corners of the country. In addition to the 5,000 wreaths he donates to Arlington each year, Worcester donates seven wreaths to every state, one for each branch of the military and for POW/MIAs. With the help of local Civil Air Patrols (CAP), like Wheatland’s Unit, ceremonies are held at over 150 locations around the country.
Captain Michael S. Walker Memorial Squadron 059 was only able to raise the funds for 47 wreaths this year to accompany the seven donated wreaths from Worcester. There are over 900 Veterans interred in the Wheatland Cemetery, and even more in the cemeteries of the surrounding communities.
“I would like one day to have a wreath for every deceased Vet in the county,” explained Squadron Leader Susan McDonald. “We have collection jars around town but would really appreciate some added assistance from local organizations.”
Individuals may donate $15 for a wreath to be placed on a specific grave or just to the general fund. The squadron has been participating for 13 years and this is the fewest number of wreaths they have ever put out. McDonald and five cadets spent last Saturday morning laying wreaths on Veteran’s graves in Wheatland, Dwyer, Guernsey and Hartville.
Founded on Dec. 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation’s civilian aviation resources for national defense service, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that still carries out emergency service missions when needed — in the air and on the ground. It supports youth development and promotion of air, space and cyber power while instilling integrity, volunteerism, excellence and respect in its members. The Wheatland CAP accepts girls and boys 12-years-old and beyond. For information in becoming involved, call Commander Susan McDonald at (307) 331-5936.
