REMEMBER the Fallen. . . HONOR those who Serve. . . TEACH our children the value of Freedom.
Earlier today members of Branch 25 attended the annual Wreaths Across America event at the San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio. Below are some pictures that members took, as well as some we found online, and some video from the event.
A reminder to members that we will be joining our US Navy Sea Cadet Corp – Arkansas Division at the San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio for this year’s Wreaths Across America event.
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The countdown to Wreaths Across America Day has begun! A special shout-out to everyone working hard to organize sponsorships and plan ceremonies. It’s been a great year so far as we have shared many stories and expanded our Wreaths Across America Family. Over 700 new locations will participate on December 14! For me, this is the time of year when I always take a pause, take a breath and, as my husband would say, grab another gear to reach the finish line. I also reflect on the opportunities, new acquaintances and lessons the last eleven months have brought. Our mission is a year-round one and so is the privilege to spend time with and learn from those whom we seek to honor. So, I always remind myself and others that on National Wreaths Across America Day, some things may not be perfect, and issues can arise, but in the greater scheme of things, it is not the destination but the journey that allows us to further the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach. “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” – Ralph Waldo Emerson With gratitude, |
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Live with Purpose: Their Hopes and DreamsFind inspiration in Navy Veteran Joy Asuncion’s passion for caring for our nation’s veterans. She introduces us to two veterans who live with no regrets at 100 and 104 years young! |
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#GivingTuesday Challenge from Jersey Mike’s Subs |
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Every $17 wreath sponsorship made through Jersey Mike’s sponsorship page through Tuesday, December 3 will be matched up to $500,000 by the company and allocated to where it is most needed. Click on the button below to double your impact! |
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2024 Escort to Arlington Route |
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Wreaths Across America’s annual “Escort to Arlington” kicks off on Saturday, December 7, 2024. For the 10th year, Chevrolet will lead the parade with wrapped vehicles transporting Gold and Blue Star families, veterans, and American patriots!
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Remember Honor Teach Lesson Plans |
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Did you know? Wreaths Across America provides free educational resources for learners of all ages as part of our TEACH Program. Download our Remember Honor Teach Lesson Plans and more curriculum from our website by clicking on the button below. |
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Escort to Arlington Coverage on Wreaths Radio |
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Wreaths Across America Radio will air each stop’s Escort to Arlington ceremony! You can listen live, anytime, anywhere here. The broadcast will include interviews with Gold Star and Blue Star family members, veterans, military families, and other special guests and coverage of the Wreaths Across America Annual Appreciation Dinner. |
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Featured Merchandise |
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Show your support of Wreaths Across America with our NEW Patriotic Knit Cap, which is proudly made in the USA. Click on the button below to order the cap in red, white, and blue or view the cap in black and gray here. |
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Make sure to follow Wreaths Across America official channels on social media for the most up-to-the-minute news on the mission throughout the year: |
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| Wreaths Across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, United States, 877-385-9504 |
An item from the Wreaths Across America organization that may be of interest to members.
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Summer is winding down, schools are reopening, and many who graduated in June have set off to begin the next chapter of their lives. That includes thousands of young men and women who signed up to serve in the U.S. military.
September also brings us the anniversary and remembrance of 9-11. This year, we will once again have a special flag-waving ceremony to remember not only those lost that day but also to honor those who joined our military in the wake of that horrendous attack. Before the smoke cleared from the rubble, Americans united in prayer and resolve to protect our land and way of life, and young men and women volunteered to be in harm’s way. That American spirit alone is the cause of optimism for our country.
It is appropriate that from Ground Zero, they will read the names of those who died on that tragic day in the same way we say the names as we place wreaths on National Wreaths Across America Day. Through this, we teach our children about the cost of freedom.
I hope you will join us as we proudly and optimistically wave the American flag like we do each Tuesday morning in remembrance and celebration of our freedoms.
With gratitude, |
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Live with Purpose: Optimism for America |
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In this month’s Live with Purpose video, we share our respect and appreciation for those who choose to serve our country and highlight their optimism for America. This video features Our Community Salutes, an organization that celebrates and supports high school seniors enlisting in the U.S. Armed Services after graduation with recognition, networking, education, and community support. |
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Wave Your American Flag |
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Wave your American flags with us on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, between 9-10 am EST in remembrance of those lost on 9/11/01.
Share your pictures and videos on |
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Wreaths Across America’s Educational Resources |
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Did you know? Wreaths Across America’s TEACH Program publishes new content regularly!
Download our newest lesson plans focusing on Optimism in America.
You can also browse our full library of free curriculum for learners of all ages by clicking the button below. |
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Share Your Story on Wreaths Radio |
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Want to share your Wreaths Across America story? Or maybe you have an event coming up? Schedule an interview here. Wreaths Across America Radio is everywhere you are! Listen live by clicking on the button below. |
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Visit the Mobile Education Exhibit |
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The Mobile Education Exhibit is heading to New York and Massachussets! The Mobile Education Exhibit brings local communities and our military together across the country with education, stories, and interactive connections. Support this year-round initiative here. |
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Featured Merchandise |
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Check out our NEW Grocery Totes! This vibrantly printed, laminated grocery tote shows your daily support for Wreaths Across America.
The famous iconic picture taken years ago is nicely displayed on both sides of the bag! |
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Make sure to follow Wreaths Across America official channels on social media for the most up-to-the-minute news on the mission throughout the year: |
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| Wreaths Across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, United States, 877-385-9504 |
An item from the Wreaths Across America organization.
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Last weekend, WAA staff and the Columbia Falls, Maine, community welcomed nearly 200 volunteers, sponsors, partners, veterans, and Blue Star and Gold Star families to our 11th Annual Stem to Stone event. Over three very busy days, we shared laughter and tears and learned from each other’s experiences. I can tell you that I walked away with a renewed commitment to share with our millions of supporters, and I am so thankful to all who joined us in person and spirit!
In this month’s issue, you will read about some special individuals and organizations recognized for going above and beyond for the mission, such as the Veterans Heritage Site Foundation, which created the Great Smoky Mountain Veterans Gravesite Project to help identify and honor veterans who are buried throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which spans five different counties between Tennessee and North Carolina. We also continue our Live with Purpose series this month, focusing on “Their Ambitions + Aspiration” and getting the first peek at next month’s new curriculum centered around the next attribute of a veteran’s wreath, “Their Optimism for America.”
This program and mission continue to grow because millions of individuals like those we met this weekend in Maine continue to “Find a Way to Serve” daily in their communities. Our volunteers’ time and commitment are key factors in our successful mission!
I personally want to thank all of you for your continued support. Your hands and hearts make a successful journey from Stem to Stone possible.
With gratitude, |
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Service in any capacity. That is what Michael Del Rosario, Army veteran and director at Walmart Private Fleet, strives for. Michael brings his ‘soldiers mentality’ to his position at Walmart – one of our longtime corporate partners – ensuring success and growth for himself and his team, especially for those returning to civilian life. |
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2024 Award Winners |
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Every year, we’re honored to recognize individuals who are committed to the Wreaths Across America mission. On Saturday, we announced this year’s award winners during our annual Stem to Stone event. Click on each award below to learn more about this year’s recipients. |
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Wreaths Across America’s Educational Resources |
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Did you know? Wreaths Across America’s TEACH Program publishes new content regularly!
Download our new Lesson Plans on Ambitions and Aspirations.
You can also browse our full library of free curriculum for learners of all ages by clicking on the button below. |
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Wreaths Across America Radio is On the Road! |
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Did you know that Wreaths Across America Radio has 60 unique programs related to veterans, their families, and Wreaths Across America Volunteers? Tune in today! |
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Visit the Mobile Education Exhibit |
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In August, the Mobile Education Exhibit will host public events in Maine, Florida, and New York! |
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You’re Invited: TEACH Webinar |
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Our next TEACH Webinar will take place on Tuesday, August 13th from 4-5pm ET.
This webinar series is co-hosted by Cindy Tatum, Wreaths Across America Curriculum Developer and Gold Star Mother, and Andrew Huber, Senior Liaison, The Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress. Register now! |
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Featured Merchandise |
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This year’s ornament reminds us of all the ways we can Live with Purpose.
The beautiful full-color printing is displayed on this quality metal piece, which you can enjoy for years to come! |
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Make sure to follow Wreaths Across America official channels on social media for the most up-to-the-minute news on the mission throughout the year:
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| Wreaths Across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, United States, 877-385-9504 |
An item from the Wreaths Across American organization.
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Our year-round teaching mission continues through the summer with our Live with Purpose series. This month, we talk with Vickie Koutz, Past National President of the American Legion Auxiliary, about the attributes of humility, selflessness and modesty displayed by our servicemen and women.
It’s also the time of year when we spotlight our incredible sponsorship groups nationwide through our “Giving in July” campaign. Our dedicated volunteers work year-round in their communities to ensure that their local service members laid to rest each receive a veteran’s wreath on National Wreaths Across America Day. Many of these groups utilize our $5 payback program to support other veterans’ causes in their hometowns or the 3-for-2 program to help place as many veterans’ wreaths as possible come December.
The importance of and appreciation for our volunteers cannot be overstated. They certainly inspire all of us here at Wreaths Across America. We hope you will join us in supporting their efforts now and in the future. As we kick off the summer and celebrate our continued independence, let us recommit to the yearlong mission to Remember, Honor, Teach. “There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.” — Gen. James H. Doolittle With gratitude, |
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Join Us For Giving In July! |
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Giving In July is dedicated to local groups and individuals participating in our Sponsorship Group Program. Through this unique program, supporters can help local programs – nonprofits, civic groups and other like-minded organizations – make a difference in their communities.
Click on the button below to learn more and to find Sponsorship Groups near you! |
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Register Now: Stem to Stone Races |
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There’s still time to register for Wreaths Across America’s Annual Stem to Stone Races on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Join us in Columbia Falls, Maine, where the mission of Wreaths Across America will be displayed through the 5K Run/Walk/Ruck and 10K, OR virtually from your own course at home. |
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Wreaths Across America’s Educational Resources |
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Did you know? Wreaths Across America’s TEACH Program publishes new content regularly! Download our new Lesson Plans on Humility, Selflessness, and Modesty by clicking on the button below. You can also browse our full library of free curriculum for learners of all ages! |
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Wreaths Across America Radio is On the Road! |
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Tune in live as Wreaths Across America Radio covers:
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Visit the Mobile Education Exhibit |
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In July, the Mobile Education Exhibit will visit Iowa and Illinois before traveling to Biddeford, Maine for a Wall That Heals event July 17-21. |
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Featured Merchandise |
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We’re excited to announce that our new 2024 Live with Purpose Challenge Coins are now available! Keep a coin on hand to remind you of all the ways you can Live with Purpose and never be without a show of your support of Wreaths Across America. |
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Make sure to follow Wreaths Across America official channels on social media for the most up-to-the-minute news on the mission throughout the year:
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| Wreaths Across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, United States, 877-385-9504 |
Royal Canadian Legion, US Branch #25 