Wreaths Across America began almost twenty years ago and for the past four years, Bloomfield’s very own Missouri State Veterans Cemetery has participated. This year’s event will officially take place on the third Saturday of December (December 15th) and will begin at 11:00am. The Patriot Riders take great pride in hosting this event for the fifth year in a row. The wreaths placed around the cemetery is much more than a decoration, but it is a symbol of honorable and memorable soldiers that have served in the Marines, Air Force, Army, Prisoners of War (MIA), and the Coast Guard.
Wreaths Across America has a motto of “Remember, Honor, Teach” and has been placing wreaths in honor of lost loved ones and patriots in numerous cemeteries in all fifty states and 24 offshore locations such as Normandy Beach. Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, started this tradition over twenty years ago when the business owner, Morrill Worcester, decided to place excess wreaths from his factory on the graves of the men and women in the Arlington National Cemetery. This trend eventually caught on as more and more cemeteries and areas began to participate. As of now, the Wreaths Across America foundation has placed over 670,000 wreaths.
Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield is proud to be a part of this meaningful occasion. Throughout the previous years, the community has played an important part of this event. It is estimated that the cemetery is in need of 1,800 wreaths to be bought so that they will be able to place one wreath on each and every grave. To support this cause, you can purchase a single wreath for $15, order the family bundle and get 4 wreaths for $60, or use the small business bundle and get 10 wreaths for $150. For every 2 wreaths that are ordered, the company sends a third one for free, making the goal of 1,800 easier to reach.
You can order your wreath by picking up an order form at the Dexter Chamber of Commerce, Bloomfield City Hall, the Veterans Cemetery office, or the Train Depot/Museum in Dexter. The deadline to purchase a wreath for this event is November 26th. When ordering, be sure to add a Group ID Number (MOPGTW01) so that the Veterans Cemetery will get an extra wreath from your order! For more information on the upcoming event, you can contact the Fundraising Leader, Theresa Wright, at 573-421-1142 or visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.
In hopes of a big crowd that day, it is appropriate that our young people are taught the honor that surrounds Veterans Day. This is a valuable lesson for our children to understand the virtues and sacrifice that has been given to obtain our freedoms in our country. Organizers hope as many active duty and retired armed forces personnel will attend as possible.
Guests are encouraged to enter the gymnasium through the pass-gate doors, located between the main high school building and the gymnasium (south end). There will be special VIP seating available on the gym floor. You are encouraged to arrive between 9:00 and 9:20 a.m. For more information, call 573-568-2146.
Please help spread the word and support these efforts by the Bloomfield School District.
If you're a registered voter, we encourage you to get out to the polls sometime before 7:00 and make your voice heard!
Not only will you be voting for the President of the United States, but your vote will also affect a lot of people running for Stoddard County elected positions.
Results of the election will begin being broadcasted on YHC Channel 21 at 7:15 P.M. Results can also be viewed at www.yhctv.com
SMT Readers
Dexter, Missouri - Mock Elections were held at the T. S. Hill Middle School this morning. Students from the 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes were all given the opportunity to participate during their Social Studies class time.
Students were required to show their own identification via sample voter registration cards and were given a ballot to participate in the mock election process. Complete with voters booth and all, students were given an opportunity to better understand the election process and were encouraged to get involved.
This projected was organized by the classrooms of Mrs. Sweeney, Mrs. Foster, and Mrs. Thurmon. During "Election Day," these teachers were assisted by some parent volunteers to actually give the look and feel of a real live voting experience.
"This is a great lesson for the kids and the school is very excited to be able to participate in the voting process," noted Scott Kruse of T. S. Hill Middle School. "It's pretty neat for them to be exposed to this important civic duty."
Remember, tomorrow is the day for each citizen to exercise their right to vote. Be sure to make it a priority on your daily list.
Jessica Snider SMT Writer
Many people feel as if tomorrow’s election will result in the biggest voter turnout in the history of voting.
No matter the reason you’re voting, or even who you’re voting for; make sure you get out to your polling place and make your voice heard by casting a vote!
Not only is the Presidential Race important, but there are also races on the 2012 ballot that will directly affect people of Stoddard County. Many local races will be the reason that a large number of people decide to get out and vote.
No matter your political party or presidential candidate preference, we encourage you to exercise your right to vote tomorrow!
All Missouri polls will open at 6:00 A.M. and remain open until 7:00 P.M.
Get your vote on!!
