By Phoenix and Metric

Each year the folks at the Wreaths Across America organization take on the monumental task of placing a beautiful wreath on every veteran’s grave in over 1,600 locations across America, over seas and at sea. In 2018, the mission went to the Normandy-American cemetery in France placing over 9,000 in that one location. Over 1.8 million wreaths were placed across the United States, with over 250,000 wreaths placed at Arlington National Cemetery alone. To accomplish such a task, it takes an army of volunteer organizations. National Wreaths Across America Day ceremonies occur each December to Remember, Honor and Teach Americans the cost of freedom.

The US Military Veterans MC “Highlanders” Chapter 11 in Highlands County is one of those organizations that go above and beyond to ensure that every veteran has a wreath. Recently, they hosted a poker run that ran from the south side of Polk County to the south side of Highlands County, with some great stops along the way. The poker run was just one of the first events in the efforts to raise money for the Wreaths Across America program, so if you get a chance to participate in one of their events it is well worth your time and the money raised go to a worthy cause.
If you or your organization would like to sponsor a wreath or get involved search the web at: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org for details.

I added some photos of my friend Glenn Iannillo laying wreaths in Arlington. He said it was one of the most moving events of his life. Lulu