John Mitchell was one of the many volunteers who laid wreaths during the 2018 Wreaths Across America ceremony at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens Veterans Cemetery.  The 2019 nationwide event will be held on Dec. 14. 

MOULTRIE, Ga. — John Benning DAR will join with Wreaths Across America (WAA) to place wreaths on the graves of veterans across the country during the holiday season.  

According to Susan Turner, DAR Service to Veterans chair and coordinator of this project, “Last year was the first time Colquitt County participated in Wreaths Across America and we were overwhelmed by the support of the community.” Turner said local residents purchased more than 180 wreaths which were placed on graves of veterans throughout the area as a part of a nationwide wreath laying event.  

DAR will be selling the wreaths for $15 each on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Day event on the Courthouse Square. The group will also be selling wreaths on Friday, Nov. 15, from noon until 4 at the old Ameris Bank building on South Main Street. Wreaths are also available from any DAR member. Nov. 15 is the deadline for purchasing wreaths.  

According the Nancy Coleman, DAR regent, individuals or businesses can purchase a wreath to place on a specific veteran’s grave or they can designate that the wreath be placed on any veteran’s grave. If the sponsor wants to place the wreath on a specific grave, the purchaser is responsible for placing it. DAR members and volunteers will place the wreaths purchased that were not designated for a specific veteran.  

The wreath laying ceremony will be Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at the Pinecrest Memorial Gardens Veterans Cemetery on South Main Street.  

“Many people place flowers on graves of loved ones during the holidays,” said Coleman.  “Purchasing wreaths for loved ones who are veterans is a fitting tribute.”  

The wreaths are fresh evergreens and will be shipped in from Maine just days before the wreath laying ceremony on Dec. 14.  

This annual event, started in 2007, seeks to further the WAA mission: Remember our U. S. veterans, Honor those who serve, and Teach our children the value of freedom. This mission ensures that the memory of those who served our country endures.  

For more information about Wreaths Across America, contact Coleman at NancyColemanDAR@windstream.net or WreathsAcrossAmerica.com.