We Take Our Mission To Remember, Honor, and TEACH To Heart

Watch the news today and you will see one story after another about the content of what is being taught in our schools. One thing that we have learned here at Wreaths Across America, is how much our supporters care about the heritage of America. We know that the freedoms that we enjoy each day, we purchased at the very highest cost.

It was no surprise to us, that Kara Sands, a mother of a fifth grade student in Corpus Christi, Texas bristled at a test question that suggested the United States was deserving of the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

You can read more about the story here on the Yahoo New Network, but what we are really interested to know is what the Wreaths Across America community thinks about this story.

Please share your thoughts as part of our discussion here in the Facebook community, where all can participate and others will be drawn into this discussion about what it means to be an American.

The same folks who know how important it is to honor our veterans, are the ones who know that teaching history and our heritage as a nation is the only way we will ever prepare the next generation. As expressed in the immortal words of our 40th President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan:

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.“
Ronald Reagan – 40th United States President (1911 – 2004)

Hours after the 9/11 attacks, three firefighters had spontaneously used a U.S. flag taken off a yacht and raised it in the wreckage of the World Trade Center. A newspaper photographer Thomas Franklin captured the scene, creating one of the most memorable flag raising scenes since Iwo Jima. Franklin was working for The Bergen Record newspaper of Passaic, New Jersey. When the first hit hit the Twin Towers, his editor sent him to cover the event, but it was only in that evening that he captured this iconic image.

It was 5:01 p.m., eight hours after the attack. Three firemen (left to right, George Johnson of Ladder 157, Dan McWilliams of Ladder 157, and Billy Eisengrein of Rescue 2) — unaware they were being caught on film — were raising an American flag amid the ruins. Franklin, who had just 30 digital frames left in his camera, captured the moment which instantly came to symbolize American resilience in the face of the murders of 2,819 innocent people.

The photograph has appeared on the covers of many publications, including Newsweek, USA Today, Parade Sunday Magazine, and People magazine. It was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and the winner of countless awards, and used for a special U.S. Postal Service stamp released in March 2002 to raise funds for families of emergency workers killed or permanently disabled as a result of the 9/11 attacks. Franklin has been a guest on radio and television shows many times, including the Today show (three times), Good Morning America, CNN, Fox Cable Network, and Oprah.

A year after the attacks, Franklin reunited with three firefighters for a new shot of the men for his newspaper and Newsweek magazine, this time using the Statue of Liberty as the background.

Using Social Media To Create A Living History Of Our Country

Remember. Honor. And Teach.

That is the mission and motto of Wreaths Across America. And no where will you see the Teach part of the mission come alive more than with the social media channels that are alive and bursting with engagement as people respond with appreciation for our veterans and our heritage as a country.

While most of the world looks at time spend on Facebook as a potential waste of time, we (Wreaths Across America) have found it to be a great place to share the history of the day, and tributes to the men and woman who have given so much to protect our freedoms.

It only makes sense that Wreaths Across America would be championed on social media, as it was the grass roots push that grew the event from a quiet company tradition of donating wreaths to Arlington national Cemetery into a national non-profit with over 800 locations nationwide.

In particular, using social media we have found it is the images that catch people’s attention and stir the emotions. Whether it is one of our older veterans from WWII or a young family paying tribute – our audience loves to see that patriotism is alive and well in this Country. There are still a lot of people who feel the same way we do – appreciative of the freedoms and opportunity that we are given daily – and the great cost at which these freedoms were purchased.

What we are learning from Facebook is that when we post educational material – people share and the message goes out around the world. And this is how we can teach a younger generation.

Along with the hub of activity on our Facebook page, we are also excited to add Pinterest as a place to share photos about what it means to be an American. I hope you will check them out – and add your two cents to the conversation.

Very soon we also are planning to make an exciting announcement about additional educational tools that we will be sharing for our teachers, youth groups, and young families who are looking for ways to convey our sense of heritage and patriotism to the next generation.

A Wreaths Across America ceremony is held in the sands outside Baghdad Iraq

One Of The Hardest Questions We Get Asked:

Is Why All This Effort For Those Who Have Passed, When There Are So Many Needs Amongst The Living?

There are a number of great organizations who support our living, and wounded veterans in need. But let me share with you some of the things we have learned in the last few years.

1. Our mission is to Remember, Honor, and Teach. We hear every day from our veterans that it matters, and that they and their buddies know they will not be forgotten.
2. While the wreaths are placed on headstones of those who have passed, the Wreaths Across America experience is every bit as much for the living – both those who give the wreath and those who will know their loved one is being remembered.
3. Our organization serves many, but our compass and True North are the Gold Star Families. We feel that if we are doing right by them and the memories of their loved ones, we are on the right course.
4. The holiday season is an especially poignant time, a time for traditional family get togethers. And there are many dinner tables with an empty seat, for those away serving to protect our freedoms and in some cases, for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We believe there is no more important gesture than to take our time amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and remember how we come to enjoy and the great cost at which these freedoms are provided.

There is something special about symbolic wreath, a circle with no end and made from living evergreens with the sweet fragrance of balsam. The act of placing the wreath, straightening the red bow, and taking a moment of silence is a living tribute to those who put it all on the line.

If you question the impact on the families of those who serve, listen carefully to these words by Gold Star Mother Suzanne Brochu of Maine – who describes the warmth brought by simple wreath – something no plastic ornament could ever replace.

How Will You Remember, Honor and Teach?

As Wreaths Across America’s 21-Day Salute comes to a close, we’d like to extend our gratitude to all of the individuals who have shared their personal stories with us over the last three weeks and to everyone who continues to support our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.

The day’s leading up to Wreaths Across America Day will be full of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but we encourage you to take pause each day to reflect on those who will be unable to share this time with the ones they love. There will be empty chairs at the Thanksgiving table this year and each one is a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. Tomorrow, as you look around your own table and give thanks for the family and friends in your life, we ask that you take a moment to REMEMBER those who are unable to be with their loved ones this holiday season, HONOR their memory and TEACH your own children the value of freedom.

As we enter into this season of giving, we ask you: How will you remember, honor and teach?

Whether it’s through volunteering to lay wreaths on the headstones of our fallen heroes, sponsoring a wreath so that no one will be forgotten, or sending a gift of thanks to a military family or veteran, please know your support is so appreciated by the families and veterans you are supporting.

For more information on how you can participate in National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 15, 2012, or sponsor a wreath to honor a fallen soldier, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org or call (877) 385-9504.

We encourage you to follow our “21-Day Salute” on Facebook and Twitter (#21DaySalute), share our inspiring stories and contribute your own memories of how Wreaths Across America has impacted your life.

Teaching Children about Veterans and the Cost of Freedom

Wreaths Across America (WAA) is enacting a 21-Day Salute, recognizing groups and individuals who exemplify the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach. The organization has a goal to place a wreath at every headstone at Arlington National Cemetery, but they have a dream that people across the country will share the mission of WAA for generations.

In 2010, WAA was looking to expand their mission to Teach. Sarah Worcester knew how difficult it was to explain the cost of freedom to her own children. Motivated to help, she volunteered to write a children’s book based on her successful Daisy the Dog series. She hoped the book would make it easier for parents to help their children understand how veterans’ sacrifices preserved their freedoms and why it’s important to remember and thank them.

Sarah’s new book, Parade of Purpose, follows Daisy as she and her friends travel with the convoy of wreaths down to Arlington National Cemetery. Along the way, Daisy introduces her friends to the Patriot Guard Riders, Gold Star Mothers, Civil Air Patrol and other veterans. Sarah said she wrote the book with her children in mind, taking the time “to describe each group and what they do, in terms they could understand.” When Daisy reaches Arlington she tells her friends: “It’s important to remember that freedom isn’t free. It should be looked at as a gift, and this parade has shown you all the people who are involved in giving us that gift!”

At the end of the book, children are encouraged to color a wreath and present it to a veteran to say thank you. The wreath, says Sarah, “represents eternal life because it has no beginning and no end. The wreath is a symbol of respect, of honor, and of victory.”

To learn more about Wreaths Across America and how to donate, please contact:

Amber Caron
(207) 513-6457
acaron@kempgoldberg.com

We encourage you to follow our “21-Day Salute” on Facebook and Twitter (#21DaySalute), share our inspiring stories and contribute your own memories of how Wreaths Across America has impacted your life.

Wreaths Across Canada: A Tradition is Born

Wreaths Across America (WAA) is enacting a 21-Day Salute, recognizing groups and individuals who exemplify the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach. The organization has a goal to place a wreath at every headstone at Arlington National Cemetery, but they have a dream that people across the country will share the mission of WAA for generations.

Wreaths Across Canada Inc. is a non-profit organization started in 2007 by Craig McPhee, a veteran of the Canadian Forces. Every November 11th, Canadians gather across the country to remember and honor their fallen heroes. There are also more than 225,000 men and women who have served in Canada’s military over the years, ensuring and maintaining their hard won freedom.

“Some years ago, I got to see pictures of what had been done by Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery to remember all the American servicemen and servicewomen buried there,” said Craig. After speaking with Morrill Worcester, Craig’s passion grew. He was so taken with this concept that his goal became to create Wreaths Across Canada, ensuring that this could be done for all Canadians who had served, many of whom are buried at the National Military Cemetery as well as many other cemeteries across Canada.

The organization’s mission mirrors that of WAA, using this time to Remember, Honor and Teach. On Sunday, December 2nd, 2012, Canadians will gather once again to honor all those military persons, soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen who served Canada and are buried at the National Military Cemetery.

To learn more about Wreaths Across Canada, please visit: www.wreathsacrosscanada.ca

We encourage you to follow our “21-Day Salute” on Facebook and Twitter (#21DaySalute), share our inspiring stories and contribute your own memories of how Wreaths Across America has impacted your life.

North Carolina’s Ambassador to Arlington

Wreaths Across America (WAA) is enacting a 21-Day Salute, recognizing groups and individuals who exemplify the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach. The organization has a goal to place a wreath at every headstone at Arlington National Cemetery, but they have a dream that people across the country will share the mission of WAA for generations.

In 2010, Jennifer Adcock thought participating in WAA would be a good learning experience for her then 12-year- old son, Jordan. It was also an opportunity to do something very special, together. In her second year as North Carolina’s Ambassador to Arlington, she has traveled from Charlotte to Havelock, setting up WAA fundraising booths at various events and festivals.

Jennifer says, “What began as a special experience for Jordan and I has become so much more than I could have ever imagined. People have often asked me if I know anyone buried in Arlington. I used to say no, but now I say yes. I feel close to each and every person buried there.” She credits the organization for the opportunity to meet and become friends with people who have forever changed her life.

Each piece of the WAA mission is of equal importance. To remember the fallen and to make sure the families left behind know their loved one is not forgotten. To honor those currently serving so they know their service and sacrifice for our country is appreciated. To teach our children that freedom is not free, and the importance of respecting our military, past, present and future.

“When you have a veteran say thank you or a Gold Star Mother hugs you, there’s no doubt. You know what you are doing is right.” Jennifer says she will continue to work hard and do whatever is necessary to spread WAA’s message and hopes that one-day the goal of covering all of Arlington will come to fruition, making sure no one is forgotten.

Tomorrow we will salute Beth Stiff, WAA’s Ambassador for Illinois. Wreaths Across America appreciates the work of our Arlington Ambassadors. With the help of the following individuals, we are closer to honoring all veterans at Arlington National Cemetery.

Lisa Berry, AL; Laura Vawter, Calif.; Deb Lecompte, CT; Patricia Pleva, DE; Erik Owens, GA; Beth Stiff, IL; Gail Siler, KY; Robert Trembly, MA; Dawn Denell, MD; Kevin Woodward, ME; Jill Stephenson, MN; Scott Grimwood, MO; Nutashia Hall, MS; Jennifer Adcock, NC; Stacy Buono, NJ; Brenda Hayes, NY; Veronica Mora, OH; Nancy Lendyak, PA; Linda Avery, TX; Lori Prendergast, VA; Jamar Williams, WA.

To speak with Jennifer directly or to learn more about Wreaths Across America and how to donate, please contact:

Amber Caron
(207) 513-6457
acaron@kempgoldberg.com

We encourage you to follow our “21-Day Salute” on Facebook and Twitter (#21DaySalute), share our inspiring stories and contribute your own memories of how Wreaths Across America has impacted your life.

Blue Star Mother Twice Over and Escort to Arlington Coordinator Shares Her Story

Wreaths Across America (WAA) is enacting a 21-Day Salute, recognizing groups and individuals who exemplify the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach. The organization has a goal to place a wreath at every headstone at Arlington National Cemetery, but they have a dream that people across the country will share the mission of WAA for generations.

In 2006, Bunny and her husband John, both Patriot Guard Riders (PGR), traveled to Harrington, Maine, to help escort wreaths down to New Hampshire. The wreaths would ultimately make it to their final destination at Arlington National Cemetery for Wreaths Across America Day.

Each State’s PGR group along the route would meet at the state line, handing off the escort duty to the next state. Bunny and John, in their white Chevy truck, had made a banner, still in use today, and placed four flags on the vehicle. Once they arrived at Worcester Wreath Company, they were appointed to lead the escort to Freeport that evening, the first scheduled stop of the trip.

After reaching the New Hampshire state line, the couple volunteered to keep going. Awaiting them in Massachusetts were nearly 100 PGR motorcyclists there to escort the convoy. It was decided that year, for an event of this magnitude, there needed to be plans laid out and police involved helping make the trek easier for the public to participate in. The next summer, John planned the route, outlining hotels and contacting other Patriot Guard Riders to help with the escort. Bunny says, “The rest is history.”

Bunny describes how each piece of the WAA mission speaks to her:

Remember: My dad served in the Army. When I go to Arlington or a Soldier’s mission with the Patriot Guard Riders, I think about all the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our
country.

Honor: I have two sons who serve today, and one or both have been deployed since John and I began doing the escort. I honor the families who stay behind to keep things as normal as can be with a loved one deployed. It is not easy. We honor those who continue to sign up and protect this country and our freedoms.

Teach: It is important to keep our children informed about the freedoms they enjoy and how they are able to have that freedom. Many children have loved ones in the Military that leave them for an extended period of time. While there are so many opinions of war, it is important to know that supporting a soldier is different than supporting a war.

To speak with Bunny and John directly or to learn more about Wreaths Across America and how to donate please contact:

Amber Caron
(207) 513-6457
acaron@kempgoldberg.com

We encourage you to follow our “21-Day Salute” on Facebook and Twitter (#21DaySalute), share our inspiring stories and contribute your own memories of how Wreaths Across America has impacted your life.

Wreaths Across America Salutes the Jewish War Veterans

Wreaths Across America (WAA) is enacting a 21-Day Salute, recognizing groups and individuals who exemplify the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach. The organization has a goal to place a wreath at every headstone at Arlington National Cemetery, but they have a dream that people across the country will share the mission of WAA for generations.

Earlier this year, members of the WAA Board had the honor of meeting with members of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) to discuss the most appropriate ways to honor all our veterans, and teach our children about sacrifices made for our freedoms. After that visit, both organizations agreed that Wreaths Across America presents an opportunity to create awareness of the contributions of Jewish veterans and active duty military.

WAA is privileged to have the Rabbi Harold Robinson joining the group at Arlington National Cemetery on Dec. 15 to address the assembled volunteers, specifically to share the proper ways to honor our veterans and families of Jewish faith.

Col. Herb Rosenbleeth, the Executive Director of the JWV had this to say: “The National Museum of Jewish Military History appreciates the efforts being made to educate, honor and remember all Veterans who gave their lives for our freedom. We appreciate that Wreaths Across America follows all cemetery rules and only places wreaths as designated by the cemeteries. By respecting the faith traditions of all veterans who have passed, Wreaths Across America distinguishes itself as a leader among organizations who seek to honor the service of our veterans.”

To learn more about the Jewish War Veterans of the USA and their work with Wreaths Across America, please contact:

Amber Caron
(207) 513-6457
acaron@kempgoldberg.com

We encourage you to follow our “21-Day Salute” on Facebook and Twitter (#21DaySalute), share our inspiring stories and contribute your own memories of how Wreaths Across America has impacted your life.