Wreaths Across America returns in December

Carson Valley’s two major cemeteries hope to raise sufficient funds to place live wreaths on the graves of nearly 600 veterans on Dec. 19.

Wreaths Across America is a nationwide remembrance conducted in 50 states, U.S. territories and other countries where servicemen and women are interred. The day was developed in the early 1990s to thank veterans for preserving the American way of life.

The wreaths are placed at each veteran’s headstone or along the columbarium each year through the work of organizations and the public who wish to attend.

Eastside Memorial’s Wreaths Across America is raising money for the third year in a row to participate in the program to place a wreath on all 360 veterans’ headstones during the holiday season.

This is Main Street Gardnerville’s second year participating in the wreath program on behalf of the Garden Cemetery.

Donations may be made directly on the website at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org and clicking on "Sponsor a specific cemetery." Both Eastside Memorial Park and Garden Cemetery appear.

Anyone who would prefer to pay for an Eastside wreath by check, may mail it to P.O. Box 910 Minden, NV 89423.

For more information about donating to the Garden Cemetery program, contact Mainstreet Gardnerville 782-8027 or info@mainstreetgardnerville.org or Shannon Hickey at 775-315-0697.

Volunteers are welcome to join organizers Dec. 19 for ceremonies at both cemeteries to place the donated wreaths.

The living wreaths will be delivered in ice by volunteer truckers, two days prior to the wreath laying ceremonies.