Wreaths Across America is a monumental effort designed to Remember our fallen U.S. Veterans, Honor those who serve and Teach children the value of freedom.

It was inspired by the owner of a wreath company in Maine who one year had a surplus and helped arrange to have them placed on graves in an older section of Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.  This little-known tribute went on for several years until 2005 when a photo was shared via social media and a couple of years later a non-profit organization Wreaths Across America was formed.  The mission: Remember, Honor, Teach.

Saturday, December 14th is National Wreaths Across America Day which is a coordinated program in which wreaths are placed at graves at not only Arlington but more than 1,600 locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.  Among the official locations for this massive effort is St. Joseph’s Cemetery & Mausoleum in Toms River and their goal is to have a wreath for all 1,600 veterans laid to rest there.

Of course this does not happen by magic but by people sponsoring wreaths which cost just $15 each.  The way it works is you order them online at wreathsacrossamerica.org and in order for the wreath to end up on a grave at St. Joseph’s you need to use the NJSJTR for the location code.

Wreaths Across America which was inspired by one man now involves thousands of volunteers, active organizations and help from the trucking industry as wreaths are transported all across our nation.  All to remember the men and women who have served our country while honoring our military and their families. What better way to come together during the holiday season.

Wreaths Across America flier
Wreaths Across America flier (Wreaths Across America)
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On a totally unrelated note and somewhat out of a sense of obligation I want to publicly wish my daughter Alex a very happy 28th birthday.  From the moment she was born she has been a bright light even when it was dark.

Nobody is better at having a good time but don’t let that fool you.  She is talented and hard-working, has passion for her family and friends and is a caring young woman who makes her parents very proud.  And yes she will always be Daddy’s little girl!

Happy Birthday Alex. stealing your Mother’s line here, “love you to the moon and back.”

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