Loganville Weekend: Civil Air Patrol Unit Participating in Wreath-Laying Salute to Veterans

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Members of Civil Air Patrol’s Walton County Composite Squadron are proud to partner once more with Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization that recognizes U.S. military veterans who have guarded and preserved America’s freedom by placing remembrance wreaths on the graves of the fallen during the yearend holiday season.

“We are able to live as we do because of the sacrifices of these men and women,” said Lt. Col. Wayne Merritt of Civil Air Patrol’s Maine Wing, who first involved CAP in Wreaths Across America. “We are able to speak freely and go as we please. We must never stop thanking our veterans. They must never be forgotten.”

By placing remembrance wreaths on the graves of military veterans during the holiday season, Wreaths Across America seeks to remember, honor and teach others about the courage and sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the armed forces. Wreaths Across America culminates this year on Dec. 14 with an estimated 10,000 volunteers placing wreaths on gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery and many of Arlington’s memorials, including the Tomb of the Unknowns. Simultaneous ceremonies will be held throughout the day at 800-plus veterans’ cemetery or war memorial sites in all 50 states, as well as 20 foreign locations.

Civil Air Patrol is the largest group fundraising for Wreaths Across America, and its members also lead or participate, often with color and honor guards, in many of the ceremonies at war memorials and cemeteries held nationwide and abroad. Officers and cadets from nearly 400 CAP squadrons, including the Walton County Composite Squadron, are signed up to organize National Wreaths Across America Day observances on Dec. 14 in their regions, states and communities.

“CAP members help lead the way by selling wreath sponsorships and coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies,” said Col. J.D. Ellis, CAP’s 2014 national Wreaths Across America coordinator. “Like Wreaths Across America, we take pride in honoring those who have served our country,” said Ellis. “This is our way of expressing our appreciation and paying tribute for the sacrifices made for our country by our service men and women.”

Walton County Composite Squadron will be at the Loganville Walmart on October 11, 2014 from 10 to 4 collecting donations and providing the information on purchasing a wreath.

Visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org for more information about Wreaths Across America and participating locations.