Veterans Memorial will host Wreaths Across America

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Local volunteers are asking for help to ensure all veterans are honored this December on National Wreaths Across America Day. Missouri's National Veterans Memorial will place wreaths at America's Wall on Dec. 14, in memory of all U.S. veterans.

This ceremony is held simultaneously across the country at more than 1,600 locations each year. The goal is to place a live, balsam fir wreath at the headstone or memorial site of every veteran and spread patriotism and commemoration for the ultimate sacrifices they made for our country.

MNVM's event will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 14 at 1172 Veteran's Memorial Parkway. The ceremony includes the laying of wreaths for each branch of the United States Military and for POW/MIA soldiers. The public is invited to the ceremony.

Wreath sponsorships for a special veteran, living or deceased, or in honor of veterans in general are available. Wreaths may also be placed in honor of first-responders. The deadline for a wreath sponsorship is Dec. 2. To sponsor wreaths at Missouri's National Veterans Memorial in Perryville, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/150857. Each wreath sponsorship costs $15, with $5 going to MNVM to support its mission of honoring all veterans.

"Every donation and wreath sponsorship is a meaningful gift from an appreciative supporter who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy," said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. "We are so grateful to the community of Perryville for participating in our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach."

Tom Royal touches the name of his brother, Francis P. Royal, inscribed on the wall during the first Missouri Vietnam Wall Run on Sept. 21 at the Missouri National Veterans Memorial in Perryville.Tyler Graef

National Wreaths Across America Day is a free, non-political event, open to all people. For more information, to donate or to sign up to volunteer, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.