National Wreaths Across America Day may look different, but local communities show their commitment to honoring veterans.

COLUMBIA FALLS, ME and COLORADO N Wreaths Across America (WAA), is the non-profit organization best known for placing veterans' wreaths on the headstones of our nation's fallen, including at Arlington National Cemetery. However, that mission recently came into question. The question was put to rest when our nation's people spoke with unity that our veterans needed to be honored. We will be forever grateful for this outpouring of support during, what we can all agree has been, a difficult year.

The organization, in total, places sponsored veterans' wreaths at over 2500 participating locations nationwide. On the local level in Colorado, volunteers are working tirelessly with local community leaders to develop plans for the safe placement of wreaths, following local guidelines and asking the public for their support in this mission.

In Colorado Springs, Theresa Wiederspahn reminisces about the Tuskegee Airman interred at a local cemetery and what an inspiration those veterans are to men and women stationed at Air Force bases in Colorado. She's working hard to make sure that he and his fellow fallen brothers are remembered for their lasting contributions to our nation. To sponsor wreaths to support Theresa's efforts, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/CO0051

Also in Colorado Springs, Jim Herstein, a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, who volunteers for both Pikes Peak National Cemetery and Fort Logan stated, "We utilize WAA's $5 give back program to help defray the costs of internment services for the families of fallen heroes meaning the more wreaths we can get sponsored, the more families we can help through a difficult time." To sponsor a wreath through Jim's Sponsorship Group, text WREATH43 to 20222.

At the Linn Grove Cemetery, Wreaths Across America volunteer Chris Ruth stated, "100 year old World War II veteran Herman Rady has already pledged to make his annual pilgrimage to place wreaths this year as another volunteer, Nate McCarty who is an 'essential worker' truck driver, will be volunteering behind the wheel of one of the trucks delivering wreaths this year." To donate to Linn Grove Cemetery visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/colgcg

At Fort Logan, Wreaths Across America volunteer Damon Henry is busy putting together his safety guidelines and procedure modifications while informing the public about safety changes to their annual tradition. Visit the Fort Logan National Cemetery page to learn about necessary modifications to this year's event or to sponsor a wreath. You can also sponsor a $15 wreath for this location by texting WREATH42 to 20222.

At the Mountain View Cemetery in Longmont, location coordinator Delaney Dreckman said, "Thanks to the efforts of volunteers Ann Warhola, Kris Miller, Michelle Martin, and support from local businesses and organizations like Parry's Pizza, Panera, FreddyÕs The American Legion Post 32, and Custom Ink, we are working towards our goal of 1565 wreaths needed to honor all the fallen heroes interned there. However," Mr. Dreckman continued, "the mission isn't over, we have 397 wreaths to go. Our main challenges this year (due to COVID-19) are losing face-to-face interactions with the public. We had planned a summer fundraiser, a float in the 4th of July parade, and a float in the Veteran's Day parade, but none of these things happened this year and this was the plan to make up the difference." To help Mountain View Cemetery in Longmont, Colorado, visit www.wreathsacorameria.org/comvcl

Although the outpouring of support for Arlington is greatly appreciated, there is so much more work to do in the state of Colorado in preparation for National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 19, 2020.
We are hoping the public will help assist in sponsoring a wreath for $15 to help everyone laid to rest at one or more of these very special locations.

Each sponsorship goes toward a fresh balsam veteran's wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero as we endeavor to honor all veterans laid to rest on Saturday, December 19, 2020, as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.