The National Remembrance Ceremony at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls is scheduled for Dec. 12.
Organized by Wreaths for the Fallen, a Baxter nonprofit dedicated to honoring the memories of fallen veterans by placing wreaths at their graves, the annual event provided 3,800 wreaths last year.
With 400 to 500 additional interments at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery each year, plus the addition of three state veterans cemeteries, the challenge for WreathsForTheFallen.org to honor all our country's fallen veterans is greater than ever, a news release states.
"We are in hopes this year we will be able to honor all our nation's fallen veterans at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery," said John Thomas, president of WreathsForTheFallen.org, in the release. "Now would be an excellent time to send that contribution or sponsorship to honor a veteran."
The event will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. The organization suggests those planning to attend arrive at 10 a.m. Plans include providing coffee, hot cider and other refreshments.
ADVERTISEMENT
Beginning at 11:20 a.m. after the Dec. 12 ceremony, consisting of representatives from each branch of the military, several thousand wreaths will be placed on the many markers of fallen veterans. Many volunteers from the Minnesota Patriot Guard and Minnesota Civil Air Patrol and hundreds of families coming from a wide area perform the honor of placing the wreaths on the grave sites. Everyone is invited to assist in the wreath distribution.
To have a personal wreath handmade and included in this memorable event, send a name, address and phone number (in case of questions) and $15 for each wreath requested to Wreaths for the Fallen, 5244 Ashdale Lane, Baxter, 56425. Include the full name and date of birth of the veteran the wreath is for. WreathsForTheFallen.org will confirm the exact location of the grave site number. Make the check out to "Wreaths." All contributions are tax deductible.
Those who would like to make a general contribution or sponsor a specific wreaths for a loved one, information is on the WreathsForTheFallen.org website. Click on the "Honor A Veteran Here" red ribbon.
The first additional state veteran's cemetery is presently in construction in Preston, and WreathsForTheFallen.org has been asked to perform our fallen veteran honors there as well. The formal opening is tentatively set for May 2016, the release states.
For information, go to www.wreathsforthefallen.org or contact Thomas at 218-829-6622.
