Roman Martin

The holidays have come and gone and with it our tribute to the men and women who have served this United States of America in the military service to their country.

Balsam fir wreaths were shipped from Columbia, ME, on December 10 in a volunteer semi-truck operation that arrived in Chandler on Friday, December 14. We placed wreaths on the graves of veterans on Saturday, December 15, at Valley of the Sun Cemetery. On Saturday morning with a definite chill in the air, volunteers from organizations in the East Valley gathered to Remember, Honor and Teach.

Employees of PayPal, members of the VFW, American Legion Posts 35 and 91, Elks Lodge #2429, Elks Riders, The Exchange Club of Chandler, Navy Club of Chandler, Korean War Veterans and many unaffiliated persons from around the valley met to participate in the ceremonies where we speak the veteran’s name as we place the wreath on their headstone. They are forgotten only when their name is pronounced for the last time.

After placing the wreaths, a short program was held honoring the five military branches with a wreath and a talk by Ms Christine Jones, former legal counsel of The Go Daddy Group, honoring all veterans.

We will return this fall when we will again ask for your support of Wreaths Across America™ and the Elks Veteran’s Assistance Committee of Elks Lodge #2429 in their efforts to Remember, Honor and Teach. A portion of the proceeds of wreath sponsorship by our readers is returned to the local community to assist organizations in activities that support veterans in our local communities. Elks Lodge #2429 sponsors meals, shopping trips and other activities for military families and veterans in need.

Last year, the efforts of members of the Elks Lodge #2429 spent over $5,000 in support of our veterans thanks to the generosity of the public and grants from the Grand Lodge of the BPOE. We can’t thank you enough for your support.

Have a Happy New Year. We wish you health and prosperity in 2019.