Local volunteers are working hard to ensure that all veterans laid to rest at Island Cemetery and the Newport Common Burial Ground are honored this December on National Wreaths Across America Day. This year, the ceremony, held simultaneously across the country at more than 1,200 locations, will be on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019. The goal: to place a live, balsam fir wreath at the headstone of every veteran buried there and spread patriotism and commemoration for the ultimate sacrifices they made for our country.
From now until November, the Surface Navy Association Newport Chapter and volunteers are fundraising to sponsor the 750 wreaths needed to honor every veteran at the Newport cemeteries. For every two-wreath sponsorship sold, three wreaths will be provided to the Newport cemeteries as part of a special fundraising program developed by Wreaths Across America.
Donations can be made directly to the Newport cemeteries on Wreaths Across America’s website as well as through the Surface Navy Association – Newport or American Heritage Girls.
“Every donation and wreath sponsorship is a meaningful gift from an appreciative supporter who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “We are so grateful to the community of Aquidneck Island for participating in our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.”
National Wreaths Across America Day is a free event, open to all. For more information, to donate or to sign up to volunteer, please visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/ri0006 or their Facebook page: Wreaths Across America – Newport.
