Community Rallies for Wreaths Across America on Dec. 13

On December 13, 2023, at noon, community members will gather for the annual Wreaths Across America Day, aiming to place wreaths on the graves of every veteran at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township and at two cemeteries in New Baltimore. The event is organized by local sponsors, including the Clinton Township Kiwanis Club and the New Baltimore Lions Club, who are calling for public participation to achieve their ambitious goal.

Last year, the initiative honored over three million veterans across more than 5,200 locations in the United States and abroad. This year, the focus will be on placing wreaths on approximately 9,000 veteran graves at Resurrection Cemetery alone. According to Lori Stillwell, a Kiwanis organizer, “Our goal is to place 9,000 wreaths this year.” The event serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans and the importance of community engagement in honoring their legacy.

Significance of Wreaths Across America

The Wreaths Across America program is driven by the mission to “Remember, Honor, and Teach.” Wreaths have long been viewed as symbols of eternal life and remembrance, particularly around the holiday season. The circular shape of wreaths signifies eternity, while the evergreens represent resilience. For many, placing wreaths is a way to acknowledge the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

Mitchell Pennington, a captain in the Michigan Air National Guard and a local resident, has participated in the New Baltimore ceremonies for several years. He expressed the profound impact the event has had on him, stating, “The mission is to remember, honor and teach current generations… I wanted to represent my branch and my community.”

Pennington’s sentiments resonate with many participants who seek to honor those who have served. He added, “We may not personally know everyone involved, but someone in the community has likely experienced the loss of a loved one who served. It’s vital that families feel their sacrifices are recognized and appreciated.”

Upcoming Events and Fundraising Efforts

To support the wreath-laying efforts, a fundraising pasta dinner will take place on November 13, 2023, from 16:00 to 20:00 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Lempke-Blackwell Post 7573. Attendees can enjoy a meal for goodwill donations, and the event will feature 50-50 drawings at 18:00 and 19:30.

Individuals wishing to sponsor a wreath can do so for $17. Various sponsorship options are available, including family wreaths starting at five for $85 and business sponsorships for larger quantities. Donations can be mailed to 51998 Oxford Court, New Baltimore, MI 48047 or processed via the Wreaths Across America website.

On December 13, activities will commence at St. Mary’s Cemetery and Oakwood Cemetery following an award ceremony at the VFW Post 7573 at 10:00. The New Baltimore Police Department will escort a procession to St. Mary’s Cemetery at 11:30, where community members will gather for a ceremony and the laying of over 900 wreaths.

Volunteers are encouraged to participate in placing wreaths, during which they will say the veterans’ names to honor their duty and sacrifice. For those interested in helping, the community coordinators can be contacted at Mario Jimenez at 586-307-2563 or Jason Whitus at 787-375-0307.

As the holiday season approaches, the significance of Wreaths Across America resonates deeply within the community, reinforcing the values of remembrance and gratitude. The effort not only honors the veterans but also strengthens community ties and fosters a spirit of patriotism.