Wreaths Across America committee members left to right Kim Sutton, Linda McCain, Patti Stoller and Leigh Ann Mathews
As a non-profit organization that receives no government funding, Wreaths Across America continually recruits and works closely with thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths, and participate in events. Paulding County is now among the participating locations thanks to the efforts of Linda McCain.
“My brother is very active in Wreaths Across America in Sidney, Ohio and I thought this would be a great thing to bring to Paulding.” Linda stated.
McCain formed her committee, a tax I.D. number was obtained, the application was submitted and has been accepted for St. Paul Cemetery in Paulding Township to become a participating location.
“I wanted to start out small to see how this would go. I live in Paulding Township and St. Paul is just down the road from me, so I thought this would be the place to start. I got in touch with Mike Kauser, Paulding Township Trustee, and he has been very helpful through this process. We have the Trustees support and it means so much to us. We couldn’t do this without their help and assistance!” remarked Linda.
Each year, donated wreaths are delivered to cemeteries around the country, where thousands of volunteers take a quiet moment to show their gratitude and appreciation during the holiday season. This year the ceremony will take place on December 15 at noon at the St. Paul Cemetery in Paulding Township, off of Co. Rd. 87. The ceremony is still being organized at this time. The Boy Scouts will be participating as well as representatives from all the armed forces.
McCain went on to say “Dan Wilder of the Paulding VFW Post 587 has been an immense help to us in indentifying the number of veterans graves in St. Paul. The VFW is very supportive of this effort.”
Wreaths can be purchased for $15 each. If you buy two wreaths, you get a third one free. Don’t miss an opportunity to thank a veteran, whether it’s a family member or someone who no longer has family in the area. Purchase a wreath so all veterans graves may have one. There are 208 veterans buried in St. Paul.
If you would like to purchase a wreath for a veteran buried in another cemetery, you may do so at the same cost. You will be responsible to pick up the wreath on the day of the ceremony at the St. Paul cemetery and then lay the wreath at the cemetery of your choice.
There will be a stand at John Paulding Days on the Courthouse lawn beside the veterans memorial to make your purchase. The group will also be at the Paulding County Fair in the Extension Building and will be at the Flat Rock Creek Fall Festival. Forms will soon be available at the Paulding VFW Post 587 as well.
Wreaths Across America’s core mission is Remember, Honor, Teach. Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and their families, and Teach the future generations about the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms. Wreaths Across America carries out these values in part by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies each December at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as other veterans’ cemeteries in all 50 US states and beyond.
For more information you may call Linda McCain 419-670-2659, Kim Sutton 419-399-2388, Patti Stoller 419-399-7035 or Leigh Ann Mathews 419-399-4122 or visit the web site at www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.
