‘When You Stand For Me, I’m Alive’ Author & Illustrator Support Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery


Recently, Author Elizabeth Lupo Tesoriero and Illustrator Stephanie Swick donated proceeds from their newly published children’s book 'When You Stand For Me, I'm Alive' to the Wreaths Across America program at the Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. 

The book's voice is that of our American Flag, the illustrations are in rich Americana Folk art and although its intended audience is ages 3 through early elementary its words resonate with all ages. An easy, yet unforgettable read that unfurls the history, meaning and symbolism of our nation’s flag and words to the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Tesoriero's grandfather, John J. Marcil, an Albany County WWII Coast Guard veteran, passed away this April at 96, but not before he was able to hear the book that was dedicated to him and all those who have and are serving. To further honor her grandfather, Tesoriero and Swick chose Wreaths Across America at Saratoga National Cemetery as the recipient of a $550 check from the proceeds of their book. They cited the hallowedness of the cemetery grounds and the purpose of the WAA program as their inspiration then surprised WAA Site Coordinator Lt. Col. Anita Martin, Civil Air Patrol by announcing their ongoing support to the program with a continued donation of a portion of the book's proceeds. You can order your copy at: www.whenyoustandforme.com , on Amazon or visit Maggie’s Gift Shop in Latham.

Are you looking for a meaningful and safe fund raising opportunity for your community organization, service group or business philanthropy? Wreaths Across America honors our fallen Veterans through sponsored wreaths at National Cemeteries every Christmas holiday season. This year at the Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery 13,500 wreaths will be needed to honor the resting places of our fallen Veterans. It may be summer, but to ensure each Veteran is visited and honored with a wreath, we need to organize now, there are just 5 months until National Wreaths Across America Day.

For every 2 wreaths sponsored at $15 each, your group will receive $5…its all done through the WAA website, no door to door selling. Your group just gets the word out, the more you sponsor, the more funds your group raises or you can decide to donate the $5 back and WAA will sponsor another wreath for a Veteran. For more information on becoming a fund raising group contact: Lt. Col. Anita Martin at (518)225-0442 or email her at amartin31392cap@juno.com . Help WAA honor all our Veterans at all our National Cemeteries this Christmas season.

Donation from Author

Author Elizabeth Lupo Tesoriero (right) and Illustrator Stephanie Swick recently donated a $550 check from the proceeds of their elementary aged book ‘When You Stand For Me, I’m Alive’ to Wreaths Across America. Accepting, Lt. Col. Anita Martin, Civil Air Patrol and Wreaths Across America Coordinator for Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

To order your book copy visit: www.whenyoustandforme.com, Amazon.com or Maggie’s Gift Shop in Latham. For more information on becoming a fundraising group for WAA contact: Lt. Col. Anita Martin at (518)225-0442 or email her at amartin31392cap@juno.com