Wreaths Across America, a national nonprofit, is working to ensure U.S. and U.S. Virgin Islands fallen veterans receive a wreath on their tomb stones this holiday season.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, National Wreaths Across America Day, live, balsam remembrance wreaths will be placed at the headstones of fallen veterans at nearly 1,000 locations across the U.S. and overseas. A remembrance ceremony will be held at 12 p.m. at Veterans Park on St. Thomas, as well as at the same time at the Vern Richards Veterans Park on St. Croix, and also on St. John. No information was provided about the St. John location.
A press release issued about the event says it is organized “to ensure that the individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country are not, and never will be, forgotten.”
Harry Daniel, director of the Office of Veterans Affairs, noted that this will be the first year the local veterans organization will participate in the effort.
“We only honor our deceased veterans during Memorial and Veterans Day, but forget that they once celebrated the holidays with us,” Daniel said. “Let us show our support and love for our deceased veterans, especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice or who are still missing or prisoners of war.”
“In past years, when placing the last wreath, we’ve seen bare markers and we’re reminded of the veterans who sacrificed so much for their country who are not being recognized,” said Wayne Hanson, Wreaths Across America chairman. “With a predominantly volunteer staff and no government funding, we are asking every American to do their part to honor our nation’s heroes.”
For more information, contact the Veterans Affairs office on St. Thomas at 340-774-6100 and on St. Croix at 340-773-6663.
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