Wreaths Across America

 

Roman Martin

It is time to Remember, Honor and Teach.

We Remember each person by speaking their name as we place a fresh balsam fir wreath on their gravesite. Speaking their name means they are not forgotten.

We Honor the memory of those who have died while in the service of their country or in recognition of their past service to our country.

We Teach by commemorating the important dates in the history of these United States and those who have given the last ounce of their lives to protect the liberties and privileges that we hold dear.

The Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery has determined that there are in excess of 2,700 veterans buried at their location on Chandler Heights Road. There are over 1,500 in the veterans’ section alone and a very large number dispersed at other locations within the cemetery.

Our goal with the Chandler Elks Lodge #2429 and The Exchange Club of Chandler is to provide wreaths for ALL Veterans interred at the cemetery. We believe that all veterans, whether they served two years, four years or were retired, deserve to be recognized and honored for their service. We should remember that a service member has signed a blank check promising to serve and protect our United States of America and, if necessary, to give the ultimate gift of their life in that service.

Volunteers will meet on Saturday morning, 15 December, this year at 8:00 a.m. to place the wreaths. After registration and a hot cup of coffee, we place the wreaths. After placing the wreaths, a short ceremony will be held at approximately 10:00 a.m., honoring the uniformed services of the United States and all veterans. Our guest speaker will be Christine Jones, former GoDaddy executive.

Wreaths Across America is an IRS 501(c)(3)-approved charity, and all sponsorships are tax deductible.

Thank you for your support this year, and while it is too late this year to sponsor a wreath, it is possible to sponsor a wreath for next year. A sponsorship form can be obtained by contacting Nancy Espy at 480-202-0181 or Roman Martin at 602-330-1906. Cost of sponsorship of a wreath is $15.00, and a portion of that cost is returned to the community to provide assistance to veterans needing help in the form of meeting housing, clothing or medical needs.