A total of nearly 5,000 wreaths, the largest number yet to be placed, were set on the gravestones at the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Legion, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Guard, Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, JROTC cadets, active duty military and many other groups and individuals converged on the cemetery to assist placing the wreaths after the ceremony. The event, and the soliciting of donations for the wreaths, was spear-headed by Patriot Guard Riders Central Arkansas Ride Capt. Walter A. Prouty. It is Prouty's goal to see a wreath on every veteran's grave at all veterans' cemeteries in the state.
The mission of Wreaths Across America, "Remember, Honor, Teach," is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies on the second Saturday in December at Arlington Cemetery, as well as veterans cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. WAA organizes a week of events including international veteran's tributes, ceremonies at State Houses and a week-long "Veteran's Parade" between Maine and Virginia. This week of events is made possible by thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths and participate in the events. WAA receives no government funding. The cost of programs is paid by individual wreaths sponsors, corporate donors and volunteer truckers.
USD 1812 has been a supporter of WAA for four years by supplying and placing wreaths. For information regarding the activities of USD 1812, call Frankie Ochsner, 501-525-1337.
Society on 12/24/2015