Members of the Poplar Bluff Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution will spend Memorial Day collecting funds to recognize veterans.
The group has organized Poplar Bluff’s first participation in the annual Wreaths Across America project.
This effort ensures that wreaths are laid at Christmas time on the graves of thousands of veterans across the country, and around the world.
A ceremony is planned for 11 a.m. Dec. 16 at Memorial Gardens, where the local group hopes to lay wreaths on the graves of 759 veterans buried there.
Poplar Bluff NSDAR members will set up at Walmart Supercenter on Monday in hopes of receiving wreath sponsorships, according to organizers. Each wreath costs $17.
“Memorial Day has its roots in commemorations honoring the deceased soldiers following the Civil War,” organizers shared in a press release. “In 1868, General John A. Logan called for a nationwide day of remembrance set on May 30 and every year following.
“Logan called this Decoration Day, and set May 30 because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle. President James Garfield gave the first official address at Arlington National Cemetery, and graves were decorated for the 20,000 Civil War soldiers buried there.”
Wreaths Across America was also founded to remember and honor the veterans who risked their lives in service of the country, said member Margaret Shackleford.
“A living spruce wreath is placed on each grave to symbolize that their memory and service will not be forgotten, especially at Christmas time when those absent from their families are missed so much,” she said.
Wreaths can be sponsored in memory of someone, or in honor of current active-duty military personnel or first responders.
A donation was recently received from the Vietnam Veterans of America Post 1056 to help with the project.
It was presented to Poplar Bluff NSDAR members at the VVA luncheon held May 11 at First United Methodist Church. It will help fund 10 wreaths, members said.
Many other Vietnam Veterans and their wives who were in attendance also sponsored wreaths, according to the NSDAR.
The Poplar Bluff chapter said they wished to recognize and thank the following individuals and businesses for their support in sponsoring wreaths: Larry Michener; Miller Mowing and Landscaping; Paul McWilliams; Pat Damewood; Legacy Fasteners LLC; Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Braden; and Randy McFarland. Also sponsoring are Auto Zone; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Hair Frenzy; First Midwest Bank; and Bank of Missouri.
To learn more about the Wreaths Across America or to reserve a speaker for a group, call Jane Worley at 573-429-8245 or Brenda Yarbro at 573-718-2604.