Toni Bolling Lutter

In preparation for the holidays, Gila Butte DAR is sponsoring two programs to remember and honor our U.S. Military.

Wreaths Across America. Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, wreath-laying ceremonies are held throughout the nation in national cemeteries where U.S. veterans are buried. Gila Butte Chapter participates in these annual ceremonies, as part of a large patriotic contingent that shows up to honor our heroes at Phoenix National Memorial Cemetery. Over the 18 years since its inception, the “Wreaths” tradition has grown, so that in 2014, every grave in Arlington National Cemetery was decorated with a balsam wreath.

DAR’s goal is to emulate Arlington and decorate every veteran’s grave in the Phoenix National Memorial Cemetery with a balsam wreath. Each wreath is $15, and contributions from the community are welcome. For information, call 480-802-0332.

Project Patriot. Just in time for the holidays, Gila Butte Chapter will be collecting items for the Chaplain’s Closet at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. The medical center serves as a stop-over for serious military casualties before they are flown to the United States. Needs include: Unisex sweatshirts, unisex sweatpants, fun-size candy, healthy snacks, basketball shorts, duffle bags and hoodies. Community participation is welcome; please call 480-759-1888 for information.

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a national, volunteer women’s service organization with 185,000 current members around the world. Each Daughter is over 18 and has proved lineal bloodline connection to a patriot of the American Revolution. For membership information, call 480-802-6993 or go to the chapter website, gilabutte.arizonadar.org.