As Memorial Day approaches, local volunteers are preparing for a date in December, National Wreaths Across America Day.
In an effort to ensure that all veterans laid to rest at Gallup cemeteries are honored on that day, fundraising has begun and will continue through Nov. 31.
Any two $15 wreaths sponsored through the sponsorship groups listed below will be matched with one wreath from Wreaths Across America.
The goal for the upcoming national Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 18 is to place a wreath at the headstone of every veteran and spread patriotism and commemoration for the sacrifices they made for the country.
Last year, on Dec. 19, Gallup cemeteries joined with more than 2,550 participating Wreaths Across America locations nationwide to hold simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies in support of the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach.
A total of 567 live balsam fir wreaths were placed by 47 volunteers in Gallup cemeteries.
"Each wreath sponsorship is a meaningful gift of remembrance from an appreciative American who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy," Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America, said. "We are so grateful to the community of Gallup, N. M. for participating in our mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach."
To sponsor a $15 veteran's wreath for Gallup City Cemetery directly, please visit:
wreathsacrossamerica.org/NM0068
To sponsor a $15 veteran's wreath for Hillcrest Cemetery directly, please visit:
wreathsacrossamerica.org/NM0069
To sponsor a $15 veteran's wreath for Sunset Memorial Cemetery directly, please visit:
wreathsacrossamerica.org/NM0067
To sponsor a $15 veteran's wreath for Gallup State Veterans Cemetery directly, please visit:
wreathsacrossamerica.org/NM0066
National Wreaths Across America was founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Its mission of wreath-laying is carried out each year, in part by coordinated events at Arlington, as well as more than 2,000 veterans' cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.
