Roman Martin
We’re back! We have returned for another chance to Remember, Honor and Teach. The Chandler Elks Lodge #2429, in partnership with The Exchange Club of Chandler and Wreaths Across America, will once again be placing memorial wreaths on the graves of those people who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States on December 15, 2018.
The Elks Veterans Assistance Committee will be seeking sponsorships for our project to place memorial wreaths at Valley of the Sun Cemetery on Chandler Heights Road in December. There are over 2,700 veterans interred at this location, and we would like to place a wreath on each gravesite as a way to remember their service to our country, to honor that service and to teach others of the sacrifices our service men and women have made in the service of their country.
In our first year, we were able to provide memorial wreaths to about 600 sites, last year we were able to increase that coverage to over 1,500 gravesites and this year, our goal is to place a wreath on each veteran’s gravesite.
We will be at the Welcome Back parties at Sun Lakes at Cottonwood Palo Verde Country Club on October 13 and again at Sun Lakes Country Club on October 21. Wreaths Across America and BPOE Elks #2429, Chandler, are charitable organizations, and a portion of the cost of sponsorship remains in the community to provide services for our veterans.
Our Lodge supports the veterans of all services. There are veterans who are transitioning from Veteran’s Administration services to public, private services and need assistance in establishing a home or apartment. There are members of the armed services who are experiencing family and financial difficulties, and we attempt to assist them in these matters.
Some of the services our committee provide are shopping trips, health care essentials, meals and social outings at our Lodge. If you are interested in sponsoring a wreath, please contact Nancy Espy at 480-202-0181 or Roman Martin at 602-330-1906. Cost for sponsoring one wreath is $15.00.
Next month, we will try to provide more information about Wreaths Across America.