WREATHS 2020 District 23 Commander Jim Quinlan, Auxiliary Members Denise Smith, Martha Bridges, Rebecca Higgins

Shelby American Legion Auxiliary Unit 82 and other Legion Family volunteers are working hard to ensure that veterans in local cemeteries are honored this December on National Wreaths Across America Day.This year the ceremony, held simultaneously across the country at more than 2,500 participating locations, will be on Saturday, December 18.On that day at 10:00 a.m. Auxiliary members will hold a brief ceremony at Sunset Cemetery prior to placing the wreaths.A similar ceremony will be held at Webb Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

Both events are open to the public.All veterans, active-duty military, and their families as well as the local community are all invited and encouraged to attend and learn more about Wreaths Across America's yearlong mission to Remember, Honor, Teach.This event will help to teach not only the next generation but all community members and visitors about the services and sacrifices of our nation's military.

Rebecca Higgins, Auxiliary Unit 82 President, is coordinating the efforts and said this year's goal is to place 50 more wreaths on graves than last year's 220. Each wreath sponsorship costs $15, with $5 going back to the Shelby American Legion Family.

You can sponsor a wreath for $15 that can be ordered at http://WreathsacrossAmerica.org/NC0376P or you may send an email to Wreaths4Shelby@gmail.com to get an order form. Each sponsorship goes toward a fresh balsam wreath that will be placed on the grave of an American hero. The Auxiliary will also take requests to honor specific veterans at Sunset and Webb, or "to go" orders if you wish to take a wreath to a veteran interred in a Cemetery other than Sunset or Webb. Those orders for a specific veteran or to be taken to another cemetery should be made by contacting our email address for an order form.

With each local event held across the country, volunteers held build community awareness and understanding of the organization's mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach. During the continuing Covid health concerns in the country, outdoor events such as this allow people to safely participate in something that is not only educational and fun but provide the opportunity to give back to your local community.

Orders need to be received by November 22nd.If you have any questions, please email:Wreaths4Shelby@gmail.com.