BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- The Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield will observe Wreaths Across America on Saturday, Dec. 16, with the ceremony starting at 11 a.m. This year will mark the 12th time the ceremony has been held at the Bloomfield cemetery.
The first Wreaths Across America in Bloomfield was held in 2006. By 2008, enough donations were received to place a wreath on every gravesite at the cemetery in Bloomfield.
The placing of the wreaths on grave sites at the cemetery is made possible through wreath sponsorships by individuals, churches, schools and civic groups. The cost of purchasing a wreath is $15 for one, $60 for four and $150 for 10 wreaths.
Teresa Wright-Williams continues in her role as fundraising leader, while Randy Dunn has been the master of ceremonies for all the programs.
Wreaths Across America, a non profit 501-c3 organization, was formed as an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project. The Arlington Wreath program was started by Morrill Worcester (Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine) in 1992. Worcester donated wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery as memorials to recognize veterans of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW-MIAs. The program gradually expanded, and in 2006 the program went nationwide.
Sponsorship forms are available at the Cemetery office in Bloomfield, local Chamber of Commerce offices or online atwww.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org. Money must be received by Nov. 28.
Those wishing to specify the Bloomfield Cemetery can click on the cemetery and enter: Group ID number: MO0014; Cemetery Designation: Bloomfield State Veterans; and Location ID Number: MOSVCB.
Every December -- rain, snow or shine -- volunteers have joined with the Wreaths Across America organization and placed wreaths on veterans' graves. For more information, contact the State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield at 573-568-3871.