The official ceremony isn’t until mid-December; however, planning and fundraising is in full swing for the third annual Wreaths Across America in Emporia.
Location Coordinator and local Army veteran Scott Burenheide recently joined KVOE’s Talk of Emporia to discuss those efforts and the work that’s been going on behind the scenes since the conclusion of last year’s display. Burenheide says the last several months has included a great deal of research, and he now has a complete list of all known veterans buried in Emporia’s Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
According to Burenheide, last year’s ceremony saw wreaths placed at the headstones of more than 600 veterans and he is hoping to increase those numbers significantly this year, with a goal of 1,600 wreaths come December.
So far, over 240 wreaths have been sponsored as of Tuesday’s Talk of Emporia segment, with seven of those being grave-specific, meaning they will go to a designated grave. Burenheide says he is placing a larger focus this year on corporate sponsorships for wreaths, which could go a long way in helping to hit this year’s goal. Each corporate sponsorship of $1,700 supports the placement of 100 wreaths.
Burenheide notes that corporate sponsorship is not exclusive to corporations or businesses.
In addition to the traditional ceremony and placing of the wreaths this year, Burenheide noted they will also have some additions to their endeavors, including a point of sale option.
If you are interested in being involved with Wreaths Across America or would like more information, visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.
This year’s ceremony will take place on December 13 in Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery.
