Holiday Wreath Project To Honor Local Military

10News ^ | December 7, 2010

[nickcarraway]

Wreaths Across America Places Extra Wreaths On Military Headstones

A project that lays holiday wreaths on the headstones of members of the military has been expanded to include those at Fort Rosecrans in Point Loma.

The project, called Wreaths Across America, was started 19 years ago by the Worchester Wreath Company in Maine when it overproduced 5,000 wreaths. Instead of throwing them away, the company owner drove to Arlington National Cemetery and placed the extra wreaths on the headstones. Since then, the project has gained momentum with more than 105,000 wreaths going out this year.

Local event coordinator Joann Murphy of San Marcos said she got involved with the project four years ago.

"It's my way of thanking these people for what they've given to our country," said Murphy. "Some of them may not have lost their lives in war but they still protected us."

The wreath company donates wreaths for each branch of the service, but it is up to individual communities to do the fundraising to get as many wreaths delivered as possible. "This year, Qualcomm stepped up as a corporate sponsor. Not only did they purchase more than 2,500 wreaths, but they also picked up the tab for printing the programs and other materials that will be used in the ceremony," said Murphy.

The ceremony will take place this Saturday at Fort Rosecrans and will expand to the Miramar National Cemetery next year.

Volunteers are still needed to help distribute the wreaths. To get involved, visit the Wreaths Across America website.

Organizers hope to have enough wreaths to place on all 88,000 headstones at Fort Rosecrans.

[SECURE AMERICA]

Wreaths Across America is a terrific event. I have been participating at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery (PA)and this will be my 4th year.