(Image courtesy: Blue Star Mothers Lake Erie NY 4)
JAMESTOWN, NY – Wreaths Across America is seeking donations to sponsor 600 wreaths for the headstones of local heroes, including three Medal of Honor recipients, at Lakeview Cemetery this December.
Initially designated by the U.S. Senate in 2008, Wreaths Across America Day falls on the second or third Saturday of December each year. On this day, individuals and organizations gather at grave sites across the United States to lay wreaths in honor of fallen soldiers, drawing a significant number of military veterans.
For the past 12-years, this was the personal mission for Todd Hanson, a dedicated father and advocate for military veterans. With deep family ties to the military and a strong sense of gratitude, Hanson has taken on the responsibility of organizing our area’s event.
Hanson's motivation stems from having a son who recently completed his service with the U.S. Army as a sergeant, another son serving as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army as an airborne combat engineer, and a third son in the U.S. Coast Guard as a petty officer third class. Additionally, his father and father-in-law are both veterans of the Korean War and World War II, respectively. This deep personal connection, like many others involved in the project, fuels Hanson's dedication to the cause.
While Hanson spearheads the event, he receives support from two local organizations, the Blue Star Mothers of Western New York and the Jamestown Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The Blue Star Mothers is a coalition of local military families with children serving or having served in the military. The Jamestown DAR is a chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, a renowned service organization with chapters across the United States and internationally. Another valuable contributor is the Pfc. Joseph Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Support Group, which aids veterans in need and assists in their transition to civilian life.
Individuals interested in contributing to Wreaths Across America in Jamestown can contact Todd Hanson via email at thanson2415@gmail.com. Further information can be found at wreathsacrossamerica.org, using the location code NYLCJA for Lake View Cemetery. Donations can be made through the Blue Star Mothers or D.A.R. For every two wreaths donated through the Blue Star Mothers, an additional wreath will be provided. The deadline is Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
Hanson emphasized the importance of the event in supporting local heroes, particularly in light of the alarming statistic of over 22 veterans committing suicide each day. This initiative also aims to ensure that those who served to protect our country's freedoms are never forgotten while uniting the community in patriotic remembrance.
Wreaths Across America serves as a reminder to reach out and provide assistance to those who may be in need of help and support.
