Friends & Family,
It was exactly one year ago today, Thanksgiving, when I posted a Go-Fund-Me Page on Facebook for the 2017 Wreaths Across America Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony. I chose to post my 2018 fundraising campaign on Thanksgiving Day again this year. Thanksgiving provides you an opportunity to express gratitude, personally, I feel I have much to be grateful for.
Imagine a nation where people did not bother to express gratitude. Imagine a society devoid of benevolence and humility. Theodore Roosevelt said, "Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds."
Today gives each one of us another chance, a chance to express our gratitude. For the 3rd time in as many years, I will be making the journey down to Arlington National Cemetery to give thanks, reflect and express my gratitude to our Fallen Heroes, Veterans and their Families. Together, as a Community and as a Country, we will honor all who lie resting in the hollowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.
Each year, millions of Americans come together to REMEMBER the fallen, HONOR those that serve and their families, and TEACH the next generation about the value of freedom. This gathering of individuals and communities takes place in local and national cemeteries in all 50 states as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. Each year, a new theme is chosen to help supporters focus their messaging and outreach in their own communities.
The theme for 2018 is "Be their witness." The inspiration for this year's theme stems from the 2009 drama "Taking Chance," which was based on the experiences of U.S. Marine Lt. Colonel Michael Strobl, who escorted the body of a fallen Marine, PFC Chance Phelps back to his hometown in Wyoming from the Iraq War.
In 2017, more than 1.5 million Veteran Wreaths were placed on headstones at 1,422 participating cemeteries around the country in honor of the service and sacrifices made for our freedoms, with each name said out loud. Observed annually on the 3rd Saturday in December, National Wreaths Across America Day is a movement to cover all Veterans grave markers with a Christmas Wreath.
There is no better time to express our appreciation. Join us this year, help us express our gratitude and do our part by "Making a Difference" on Saturday, December 15th at Arlington National Cemetery.
The cost to sponsor one wreath is $15.00. The size of each donation isn't important, every penny raised counts. Together and only together, we can help Wreaths Across America reach this year’s goal. If you are unable to financially contribute, there are still many other ways to help "Make A Difference".
Please visit the official site of Wreaths Across America, (www.wreathsacrossamerica.org), there you can find out more information about the event, sponsoring wreaths or volunteering. Help spread the word and make others aware of this great cause.
To each of those who may take a moment to read this, to share it or who choose to contribute in any form, I am incredibly grateful. YOU are the reason this movement continues to grow larger each year, it's YOUR support, YOUR generosity, it's YOU!!
I wish you and your families all a Happy Thanksgiving. If you haven't already, take a second and express your gratitude, we all must have someone or something we are grateful for. Thank You & God Bless!
Honor Our Fallen Soldiers
WAA - VA0489
*Group ID - VA0489
*Group Location – ARLING
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