Sarasota National Cemetery is 5,000 Wreaths Short to Ensure All Have Wreath
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Wreaths Across America is moving ahead with the December tradition of remembering every Hero and grave at our Sarasota National Cemetery.
“The mission is a go, but it will be very different this year,” says event coordinator Meshia Richardson.
“Our mission is to ensure that over 22,000 of our military members, their spouses and their qualified dependents interred there will be honored again this year with the placement of live balsam wreaths. Currently, we have approximately 11,700 wreaths sponsored. An additional 5,000 are needed to assure that every veteran and their spouse and/or qualified dependent receives a wreath this December,” Richardson told us this morning on 92.1CTQ. .
This years, Wreaths Across America will be observed on 3 days, instead of just one. Thursday December 17th, Friday the 18th and19th. Because of the pandemic, there will be a virtual ceremony posted online Saturday, December 19th, via social media, YouTube and other websites.
Donations are needed, by the deadline of Tuesday, December 1st at 11;59pm... at www.sarasotawreaths.com. to ensure EVERY Hero is remembered with a Remembrance Wreath,
To help keep people safe... Wreaths will be distributed to each vehicle at registration check in. No more than six people per larger vehicle will be permitted on cemetery grounds. Drivers will be directed to a pre-designated section where they will lay their wreaths. As each wreath is placed, participants will say the veteran’s name and thank them for their service and their sacrifice.
Times have been set aside for family members to place wreaths. Families should email Richardson at sarasotawreaths@gmail.com with their loved one’s name, branch of service and section number, if known, so that the location will be reserved for family only.
Families must register to volunteer at www.sarasotawreaths.com. However, if there are not enough donations to ensure EVVERY Hero has a wreath. Priority on placing wreaths this year, will be given to those to have sponsored wreaths at The Sarasota National Cemetery, this year.