Oct 22, 2014 2 min read

For the seventh consecutive year, the George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution is participating in the Wreaths Across America campaign, with local sponsors being sought to purchase wreaths that will be placed on the graves at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Cecil Township.

Wreaths Across America’s mission remembers the fallen, honors those who serve and teaches children the value of freedom. Its goal is to generate sponsors for wreaths that will be placed on veterans’ graves in more than 914 national cemeteries throughout the United States and 24 on foreign soil.

Gary Timmons of the SAR, George Washington Chapter, said about 9,000 veterans are buried at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, with nearly 1,400 burials taking place each year.

Wreaths cost $15 each and are tax-deductible. The wreaths will be placed on headstones Dec. 13, starting at noon. Last year, 5,045 wreaths were placed.

Seven ceremonial wreaths will be placed to remember all soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who served. In addition, specially designated wreaths for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW/MIA will be placed on memorials during a ceremony that will be coordinated simultaneously at national cemeteries across the U.S.

The origin of Wreaths Across America dates 23 years, when the Worcester Wreath Co. in Harrington, Maine, initiated a tradition of donating and placing wreaths on the headstones of the country’s fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2013, the company donated more than 25,000 wreaths.

The SAR George Washington Chapter started its partnership with the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in 2008 when it raised the money to buy and donate an electric four-person cart to transport families around the cemetery. The chapter also has dedicated a “boulder” along the memorial walkway in the cemetery.

Those wishing to sponsor a wreath can make checks payable to “Wreaths Across America” and send them to: Gary Timmons, local Wreaths Across America chairman, 13 Elm Lane, Wheeling, WV 26003-4905. Timmons also can be reached at 304-242-8759 for more information. Deadline to purchase wreaths is Nov. 15.