U.S.D. 1812 holds annual wreath-laying

Continuing a tradition that began in 2015, members of the Baseline-meridian Chapter, United States Daughters of 1812, recently laid artificial Christmas wreaths at the graves of Unknown Soldiers buried at the Little Rock National Cemetery.

“They were able to lay 150 wreaths. Plans were developed for the coming year to obtain donations so that all the over 3,100 Unknown Soldiers would have a wreath,” a news release said.

After five years, U.S.D. 1812 has been able to lay wreaths for approximately 2,800 Unknown Soldiers — and still needs another 300 wreaths so that all soldiers without a name receive a wreath. In addition, the bows and some of the wreaths need to be replaced, the release said.

Forty-one volunteers on Dec. 3 laid the 2,800 wreaths. Volunteers represented the following organizations: U.S.D. 1812, Daughters of the American Revolution, Dames of the Court of Honor, Colonial Dames 17th Century, Arkansas National Guard, Sons of Confederate Veterans General Robert C. Newton Camp, Sons of the American Revolution, General Society War of 1812, United Daughters of the Confederacy and Daughters of American Colonists.

The Arkansas National Guard and the Central Arkansas VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement assist U.S.D. 1812 with the effort. The wreaths were donated to the CDCE, but U.S.D. 1812 retains the responsibility of placing, pickup and storing of the wreaths with the assistance of the Arkansas National Guard.

“‘Christmas Wreaths for Heroes’ is not to be confused with ‘Wreaths Across America’ (WAA) which was started by Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine,” the release said. The WAA ceremony will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. and is planned and coordinated by Run for the Fallen. The WAA wreaths are not artificial.

“This is an ongoing project to ensure our veterans are not forgotten,” the release said. For information on assisting with the “Christmas Wreaths for Heroes,” email Mclemore at pcmcmountain@yahoo.com.

Submitted photo Soldiers from the Arkansas Army National Guard 233rd REG RTI, 87th Troop Command, 77th Combat Aviation Brigade, and National Guard Marksmanship Training Center loaded 2,800 wreaths for LRNC for placement on the graves of unidentified fallen service members. U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Shane Smith.