National group to place holiday wreaths at Arizona veterans cemetery
Nov 4, 2015, 5:59 AM
(Facebook Photo)
(Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX — The Phoenix National Memorial Cemetery will be part of a nationwide effort to remember America’s veterans next month.
On Dec. 12, as many as 10,000 wreaths will be placed at gravestones throughout the cemetery on Cave Creek Road as part of Wreaths Across America Day. About 1,000 ceremonies across the country will also honor fallen soldiers at the same time.
At last year’s Phoenix ceremony, organizers distributed 4,000 wreaths with the help of about 600 people in attendance. Organizer Tarra Matyas said the event is a very moving experience for veterans and their families and serves as a good learning experience for kids.
“We’ve got a lot of school districts who have gotten involved in the past couple of years,” she said.
Matyas hopes Valley residents will use some holiday generosity to sponsor a wreath. They cost $15 each.
“We have community groups, corporations, businesses, individuals who will sponsor a wreath or make a monetary donation,” Matyas said. “The cut off for that is the last day of November.”
Organizers are also looking for volunteers to place wreaths throughout the cemetery. For more information or to find out how you can get involved, visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org or email Matyas at tarramatyas2@gmail.com.
