Dec. 15 marks a first for Franklin County. At 2 p.m. that day, hundreds of wreaths will be placed on veterans’ graves throughout Green Lawn Cemetery as part of the nationwide Wreaths Across America program.
Wreaths Across America began in 1992 when Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine, had an excess of wreaths near the end of the holiday season. Arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery.
In 2006, Worcester Wreath expanded its donations nationwide. Last year, with the help of the Civil Air Patrol and many volunteers, ceremonies were held simultaneously at 230 locations throughout the country. The goal is to continually increase the honor shown to veterans each year.
Volunteers, in-kind support and funding are all important to the goal. Individuals and groups can make a financial contribution to Green Lawn Cemetery to purchase a wreath.
Individuals and groups are needed to help place wreaths on the graves during the cerermony.
Information about purchasing a wreath in the program can be obtained at Green Lawn Cemetery, 1000 Greenlawn Ave., by calling Green Lawn at 444-1123, or visiting the Web site www.greenlawncolumbus.org. Information about the Wreaths Across America program can be found at www.wreaths-across-america.org.
The wreath-laying ceremony at Green Lawn is open to the public without charge.
