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.

FMI: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org, www.gocivilairpatrol.com