By NIHAR JAIN
For the Bulletin
This December, our local Wreaths Across America effort will reach more veterans and more families.
In addition to continuing the annual remembrance at East Union Cemetery, I will be coordinating wreath sponsorships and placement for the hundreds of veterans laid to rest at Park View Cemetery.
This expansion builds on the tradition our community began last year and brings that same commitment to remembrance to a second cemetery.
The goal is simple: to honor each veteran with a remembrance wreath and ensure that their name is spoken aloud.
Last December, East Union Cemetery’s first Wreaths Across America ceremony brought together veterans, families, Scouts, community organizations and volunteers.
People of different ages and backgrounds stood together to remember those who served and helped preserve their stories.
]This year, we have an opportunity to extend that effort. Adding Park View means taking responsibility for at least 300 more additional veterans’ graves. It also means that we will need more wreath sponsors and volunteers to help make that remembrance possible.
Scouting America Troop 828 is selling Wreaths Across America wreath sponsorships as a fundraiser. Each sponsorship costs $17 and provides a wreath to be placed on a veteran’s grave. Sponsorships purchased through the Scouts’ fundraising page also support the troop, connecting its fundraising efforts with service to local veterans and their families.
Residents can support the Scouts’ fundraiser at https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/CA0961P or purchase a sponsorship through a participating Scout. These are remembrance wreaths sponsored for placement on veterans’ graves, rather than holiday wreaths purchased to take home.
The second annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at East Union Cemetery in Manteca will take place at noon on Saturday, Dec. 19.
Following the ceremony, volunteers will place wreaths on veterans’ graves and say each veteran’s name aloud, with the wreath placement at East Union Cemetery starting at around 1:30 p.m. and the wreath placement at Park View Cemetery starting at 3 p.m.
Wreaths Across America’s mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach the next generation the value of freedom. For Scouts and other young volunteers, participating makes that mission personal. A name on a headstone becomes someone to learn about and remember.
Expanding to Park View is a responsibility I am grateful to take on, but it will take our community’s support to fulfill it. Whether you sponsor one wreath, help spread the word or volunteer your time, you can help ensure that so many more veterans are remembered this December.
To sponsor a wreath for $17 through Scouting America Troop 828’s fundraiser, visit https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/CA0961P.
