Community Corner
Wreaths Across America Ceremony to Honor Veterans
SARASOTA, Fla. (Dec. 9, 2013) – Community members in Southwest Florida will join millions across the country to honor the sacrifice of veterans and their families during Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 14.
National Wreaths Across America Day – which serves to remember all veterans who have passed, honor their sacrifice and that of their families – will invite family and community members to lay remembrance wreaths on gravesites at the Sarasota National Cemetery. This year’s local wreath-laying event is part of The Patterson Foundation’s Legacy of Valor campaign, which honors veterans and their families in Southwest Florida.
WHO: Wreaths Across America - Sarasota in partnership with Sarasota Military Academy and Blue Star Mothers.
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WHAT: Remembrance wreaths will be placed at the gravesites at Sarasota National Cemetery, honoring the service and sacrifice of the veterans laid to rest. Last year, wreaths were placed on approximately 5,600 gravesites. This year, that number has grown to approximately 6,500 gravesites.
WHERE & WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 14 at Sarasota National Cemetery
9810 State Road 72
Sarasota, FL 34241
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[9:00 a.m. - approximately]
Ushered in by a motorcycle honor escort by the Patriot Guard Riders, the delivery truck carrying more than 6,000 remembrance wreaths from Maine will enter Sarasota National Cemetery.
WHERE & WHEN:
[9:30 a.m. – Wreath Laying]
Wreath placement begins with family members placing remembrance wreaths on the gravesites. Once this happens, led by the Sarasota Military Academy’s Pipe and Drum band, community members will be asked to lay wreaths.
[Ceremony Immediately to Follow Final Wreath Placements]
The formal ceremony will last for about 30 minutes. Events include an opening song by the Sarasota Military Academy concert band, remarks from retired Army Col. Ben Knisely, and a possible flyover from the Civil Air Patrol.
There will be representatives from every branch that will bring a wreath and place it in front of the stage.
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About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America™ was born in 1992 out of a desire to remember and honor American service members for their contributions in preserving our freedom. Morrill Worcester and the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington Maine had the vision for this project and placed the first wreaths. It has since become an annual tradition to lay wreaths at the gravemarkers of our fallen veterans during December as a way to express our appreciation and to pay tribute for the sacrifices made for our country by our service men and women.
For more information visit http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. For more information about the Sarasota chapter, please visit http://www.wreathsacrossamericasarasota.com.
About Legacy of Valor
Legacy of Valor is a campaign created by The Patterson Foundation that rallies Southwest Florida to honor veterans, inspire patriotism and pass freedom on to others. A mosaic of community-driven partnerships will educate and focus the community to use time, talent and treasure to recognize the service and sacrifice of all veterans and their families. For more information, please visit FreedomPassItOn.org.
