Wreaths to Remember
Brazos Valley volunteers honor fallen veterans on National Wreaths Across America Day
By NICOLE SHAIR
grave in the Bryan City Cemetery is adorned with
A a fresh , evergreen wreath with a red bow and a miniature American flag . A fallen soldier ’ s name is spoken and remembered as a volunteer solemnly calls out thanks for their service , and salutes .
Last year , 1.7 million wreaths honoring Americans lost in battle were distributed across the country and beyond , provided by Wreaths Across America ( WAA ), one of the largest veteran-focused groups in the United States .
“ There are three ways to support WAA ' s patriotic mission ,” says Ellen Fuller , volunteer co-chair for the Brazos Valley chapter of WAA . “ Remember the fallen , honor those who serve , have served , and their families , and teach the next generation the value of freedom .” WAA volunteer Darlene Richie was raised with a strong military background and she enlisted for a time . “ A lot of people don ’ t realize the sacrifices the military makes ,” Richie says . “ It ’ s important to get our younger generation involved , and I ’ ve been able to do that with my son when helping with wreath placement during December .”
The nonprofit ’ s largest event is called National Wreaths Across America Day . Occurring annually during the winter , this year ’ s National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday , Dec . 18 . A ceremony will begin at 11 a . m . at the Aggie Field of Honor , within a section of the College Station Memorial Cemetery , to commemorate Brazos Valley veterans . “ We say their names because we believe that someone dies twice ,” Fuller explains . “ You die when you physically die , and then when people stop remembering you and saying your name .”
Last year , almost 1,900 wreaths were placed on graves of fallen soldiers at more than 55 Brazos Valley cemeteries and for WAA ’ s 30th anniversary in 2021 , the goal is to reach 3,000 , Fuller says . The local distribution coincides with a ceremony that will take place at the Arlington National Cemetery ’ s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as at 2,800 locations nationwide .
The wreaths are made from the tips of balsam trees , harvested from a tree farm in Columbia Falls , Maine . They arrive by participating truckers and are dispersed by volunteers throughout the Brazos Valley , according to Fuller .
“ The balsam fir wreaths consist of 10 bouquets and they really smell like the forests in Maine ,” Fuller says . “ Wreaths are a symbol of everlasting life , and I like that volunteers say the names of fallen heroes as they place the wreaths .”
A donation of $ 15 covers the cost of a wreath . For the anniversary , Fuller requests that people sponsor two wreaths for $ 30 . Some nonprofits , like the Marine Corps League , will receive $ 5 from each $ 15 sponsorship . “ It ' s just a nice way to say thank you , and the sponsorships are from grateful Americans ,” Fuller says .
WAA continues to support and remember veterans throughout the year , Fuller says . Honoring deceased veterans with handmade wreaths is just one voluntary service the organization offers . People of all ages can get involved in a number of additional ways , from putting out flags during Veteran ’ s Day to writing letters to soldiers overseas . WAA ’ s Veterans Remembrance Tree Program allows military families another opportunity to honor their loved ones by placing engraved dog tags on a tree of their choice .
“ I know what a difference it makes to our surviving families and current veterans to have our fallen veterans remembered and honored ,” Fuller says . IN
To donate to the Brazos Valley chapter , visit wreathsacrossamerica . org / TX0275P or mail a check to WAA / BV , P . O . 1000 , College Station , TX 77841 . For more information , visit wreathsacrossamerica . org .
18 November / December 2021