Paulding County was chosen out of 1600 locations to host the National Wreaths Across America’s (WAA) Education Exhibit. They’ll come into town during the Flat Rock Creek Fall Festival being held September 20–22 and will be located close to the Ohio Extension Building during the fall festival held at the Paulding County Fair.
“I’m over the moon, that this great national organization would select Paulding County and the Flat Rock Creek Fall Festival as one of their target locations. This is huge for our community, and such an incredible honor,” said Linda McCain with Paulding County’s WWA chapter.
The goal of the Wreaths Across America Education Exhibit is to bring local communities and our military together with education, stories and interactive connections. When touring the Exhibit, festival guests will have the opportunity to explore, learn and remember our fallen veterans. The 48’ exhibit is equipped with a 24-person screening room that showcases the different aspects of the WAA mission through video. The purpose of the Mobile Education Exhibit is to not only Teach the next generation about service and sacrifice, but to share stories of patriotism and love of country to communities around the United States. Tours are free and open to the public.
All local Vietnam veterans are encouraged to stop by this exhibit, where they will receive a “Welcome Home” packet signed by President Trump. “Our Vietnam Veterans didn’t get the proper thank-you when they came home from Vietnam, we invite them to stop by and be appreciated by the National and our Local Wreaths Across American staff members. They deserve this recognition for so bravely defending our country,” added McCain.
If you are not familiar with Wreaths Across America, every December the organization holds wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 1600 additional locations across the world. Paulding County was lucky enough to have several local volunteers take the initiative to make this effort a priority for Paulding County in 2018.
The goal in Paulding County is to raise enough funds to cover 500 wreaths. If you wish to purchase a wreath, you’ll be able to do so at the Flat Rock Creek Fall Festival. This is a great opportunity to thank a veteran, whether it’s a family member or someone who no longer has family in the area. This year’s ceremony will take place on December 14th at noon at St. Paul Cemetery off Co. Rd. 87.
For more information you may call Linda McCain 419-670-2659 or visit the web site at www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.
