The effort to use wreaths to decorate all the graves of military veterans at Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery has had a major push of support this month.
As of Nov. 4, close to 350 wreaths had been arranged. Lead organizer Scott Burenheide says that number has 3welled by almost six times over the last two weeks.
Full coverage of Maplewood Memorial Lawn is over 2,300 wreaths. Burenheide says this will help to recognize and remember veterans who fought for our country over the last 160-plus years.
Burnheide thanks his “dream team,” including Richelle Birk and Clay Childs, both of whom were lead organizers of The Wall That Heals event this past August. Birk wants the Wreaths Across America project to mirror the community involvement she saw this past summer, and she says that is becoming more apparent.
Childs prefers the term “dream community” rather than “dream team,” highlighting the recent sponsorships that have developed.
With the Wreaths Across America effort revving up recently, Birk and Childs have also been spearheading an Honor a Hero event from 10 am to 2 pm Tuesday at the Lyon County Fairgrounds. Birk says this is part thank-you, part last-minute push for donations and volunteers.
Childs encourages people to stop by and show their thanks.
The official Wreaths Across America ceremony is at 11 am Dec. 13. In addition to sponsorships and private donations, organizers are now asking for volunteers — and a lot are needed, both in placing the wreaths next month and removing them in January. Organizers have already secured close to 150 volunteers, but another hundred may be needed.
More information is available at wreathsacrossamerica.org/ksmmlc.
