Forest Park The Woodlands to host Wreaths Across America Day Ceremony on December 14

Forest Park, The Woodlands is participating in the nationwide effort to Honor Local Veteran Heroes laid to rest in the cemetery on the National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, December 14 at 11:00am by placing remembrance wreaths on the 425 headstones of Veterans. The park is located at 18000 Interstate 45 South in The Woodlands.

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessperson Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s yearlong mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach, is conducted in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 3,700 veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and overseas.

“2023 was the first year our cemetery participated in Wreaths Across America. The support from our community was overwhelming, and it was clear this would be a permanent annual event. Montgomery County strongly supports veterans, and we are proud to host such a meaningful ceremony. Together, we ensure that every member of the military laid to rest here is honored and remembered during the holiday season,” said Melissa Wright, Funeral Home Manager at Forest Park The Woodlands. “During such a busy time, it is important to pause, reflect and honor those who served our country for our freedom. We are honored to have brough Wreaths Across America to The Woodlands and look forward to seeing everyone again this year.”

View photos from the 2023 Wreaths Across America Day Ceremony here

Advertisement

The community is asked to consider sponsoring a wreath in memory of a loved one, a veteran, or to help ensure every veteran who is laid to rest at Forest Park, The Woodlands receives a wreath. Spring Creek Area Blue Star Mothers is coordinating the effort to get wreaths sponsored as fundraisers to further their mission of serving Veterans locally and overseas. The organization is a 501c3 nonprofit organization of mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, and female legal guardians, who have children serving in the military, guard, or reserves, or children of veterans. Blue Star Mothers of America is a congressional sanctioned organization formed during World War II consisting of 200 chapters across the nation. Additional organizations supporting Wreaths Across American at Forest Park The Woodlands includes: BSA Troop 777, BSA Troop 89, and The Woodlands Republican Women.

To sponsor a wreath please use this link: www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/TX1005P. Wreaths are $17 each, 2 for $34, 5 wreaths for $85, 10 for $170, or select a customized number of wreaths. The deadline to purchase wreaths is Saturday, November 30^th.

Prior to the scheduled event, cleanup efforts will be led by National Honor Society of Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy High School. Boy Scouts of America Troops 777, 1777, Cub Scout Pack 777, Venturing Crew 112, along with American Heritage Girls Troop 1411 and Young Men’s Service League, The Oaks, will assist with placing individual markers on the gravesites of Veterans to indicate the location for wreath laying.

Forest Park The Woodlands will have a ceremonial event honoring the Veterans with participation from American Heritage Girls Troop 1411 to present the colors with and a Procession of Wreaths for each branch of the military followed by POW/MIA wreath, Gold Star Mothers and Blue Star Mothers. At the conclusion of the ceremony families and volunteers will place wreaths on the designated Veteran markers. After each wreath is placed, the Veteran’s name will be read aloud so they will never be forgotten for serving our country.

“As a Gold Star Mother, I believe Wreaths Across America is a way to honor all those who lost their lives serving our country. My son, SPC Joey Lenz, is laid to rest at Forest Park The Woodlands after losing his life Feb 1, 2022, at Fort Cavazos (Hood), Texas,” said Gold Star Mother Margie Taylor. “As a mother of a soldier that that died during active duty it is my obligation to carry out the mission my son was unable to fulfill to serve our country, support our active military, Veterans, and their families. It is my personal goal to get each of the 425 Veterans laid to rest at Forest Park represented by a sponsored wreath”.

For more than 20 years, Forest Park, The Woodlands has served the greater Houston area compassionate care providing personalized services to help plan a funeral, cremation and burial that honors your personal desires and family traditions. Learn more

For more information about Wreaths Across America follow their website: www.WreathsAcrossamerica.org

Advertisement