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.
