Participating Again In The "Wreaths Across America"
Program
For the second straight year, Civil Air Patrol, in conjunction
with Wreaths Across America (WAA), will observe National Military
and Veterans Appreciation Month with "Thank You For Your Service"
cards for veterans who served in the U.S. armed forces. The
observance begins on May 1 and continues through Memorial Day.
This year, Civil Air Patrol and Wreaths Across America are
teaming with the Walmart Corporation, which is welcoming 160-plus
CAP units across America in front of many of their 4,000 stores
nationwide during the month to distribute the cards and raise funds
for Wreaths Across America by accepting wreath sponsorships and
donations.
"This allows us to get an early start on honoring our military
members, those who are active, retired or deceased and to support
CAP and WAA's 2011 goal of placing a wreath on every grave at
Arlington National Cemetery this year," said Col. Richard L.
Moseley, CAP's WAA project officer.
Each "thank you" card provided by WAA has a place for CAP
members to add their own region, wing and squadron information. On
the card, the recipients are directed to a Web
page. Each card identifies CAP squadrons enrolled in
the WAA initiative and encourages the sponsorship of remembrance
wreaths for this year's holiday ceremonies, which take place during
the week of Dec. 4-10, 2011. "We are hoping to distribute
half-a-million thank-you cards," said Moseley.
"We want to show support for our service members year round,
rather than just during the holidays. This is that opportunity!"
said Moseley. "Plus, it gives us a great head start on our
fundraising efforts for the 2011 Arlington Cemetery Project."
Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that
recognizes the courage and sacrifices of U.S. veterans with
wreath-laying ceremonies during the end-of-the-year holiday season
at national cemeteries and monuments throughout the country and
abroad.
Partnering with Wreaths Across America, based at Worcester
Wreath Co. in Harrington, Maine, is now a multi-year holiday
tradition for CAP. CAP members lead many of the 400-plus Wreaths
Across America observances each year as well as provide color and
honor guards for additional locations. CAP members request
sponsorships for the remembrance wreaths for these observances.