LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A local cemetery needs nearly $7,000 more wreaths to ensure every veteran's grave is adorn with one this holiday season, and the deadline to sponsor a wreath is soon.
Nov. 28 is the last day wreaths can be purchased and guaranteed to be created, shipped and placed on veterans' graves at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery ahead of the holiday season.
According to officials, 4,500 wreaths have already been purchased. Since there are more than 11,300 graves at Zachary Taylor, only 40% of veterans' graves have had a wreath purchased so far.
“While we are extremely grateful that so many people have already supported this cause, it is always painful to see graves that will not receive a wreath,” Dr. Scott Giltner, location coordinator, Gov. Isaac Shelby Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution said. “The wreaths are not to ‘decorate’ the graves of our veterans. We place them to remember not their deaths, but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America.”
“All of the wreaths placed on the graves at Zachary Taylor come from donations,” Susan Kalmey Co-location coordinator, Corn Island Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, said. “There is no government support. We rely on private and corporate donations to make this happen. And especially now, we need everyone’s involvement this year to make it a reality.”
“With community support, we can still reach that lofty goal of 11,300 wreaths," Doug Carroll, owner of Brownsboro Hardware & Paint and one of the businesses involved in the program, said. “I challenge every business, every club and organization and every church to adopt this campaign as a mission.”
A wreath can be sponsored for $17. You can click here to purchase one or more online, or go to Brownsboro Hardware & Paint to buy them in-person.
The live Maine Balsam Wreaths will be placed during an official ceremony at Zachary Taylor on Saturday, Dec. 16 at noon. The public is invited to attend and participate.
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