The Old Post Cemetery, closed for new burials, is the final resting place for 136 unknown soldiers and sailors of the Battle of Plattsburgh. It takes almost 230,000 wreaths to cover every section and grave at Arlington. Veterans’ graves at Forest Lawn Cemetery on Mecham Drive in Ruidoso and in the merchant marine cemetery near Fort Stanton will both receive wreaths.
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After the ceremony-consisting of representatives from each branch of the military-several thousand wreaths will be placed on the many markers of fallen veterans.
People wishing to help may sponsor a wreath through the organization’s website.
The local American Legion announced it would serve a holiday dinner to living veterans and their families the following day, December 13, at 1 p.m.at the Lincoln County Veterans Plaza at 201 Second Dr.in Ruidoso Downs.
What began as a pilgrimage by ME businessman, Morrill Worcester, to deliver 5,000 wreaths he donated to Arlington in 1992, has become a national mission based on a simple yet powerful idea: Say their names so we never forget and they are never forgotten.
Wreaths Across America said Wednesday night that it is $450,000 short of reaching its goal for its Tuesday deadline.
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Due to the likelihood of rain throughout the weekend, The Friends of the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is asking all volunteers for Saturday’s wreath laying to use the shuttle system to arrive at the cemetery. Everyone is invited to assist in the wreath distribution.
