BSA Troop 366 is launching an effort to raise funds for Wreaths Across America (WAA) again this year. The Troop is seeking help to raise enough money to place wreaths on all the veterans’ graves at Ridgelawn Memorial Cemetery this December.

According to Ridgelawn owner/caretaker Chris Acheson there are over 200 veterans buried in the cemetery. This year’s theme is “Find a Way to Serve.”

“By sponsoring a wreath, you can show gratitude to our hometown fallen heroes, honor those who serve and their families, and teach younger generations the value of freedom,” Assistant Scout Master Matt King said.

According to King, the movement encourages youth to get involved in their own communities to serve in small ways that can make a big impact.

King said Troop 366 has been a part of this program since 2008. “We place approximately 225 wreaths. The majority are placed at Ridgelawn with about 25 placed elsewhere like Oxford Township Cemetery and Kingsbury Cemetery.”

“You don’t have to be in military service to serve your community and country,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America. “Serving others, or being in service to others, gives purpose and I’ve seen first-hand from Gold Star Families to Veterans, how it can help people heal.” “Placing a wreath not only honors those who have gone before, but reassures living veterans and their families that they will never be forgotten.” said King.

Kings is WAA Fundraising Group Coordinator for BSA Troop 366. “Every veteran’s name is spoken aloud when a wreath is placed on their grave.”

A $15 sponsorship will pay for one wreath made of live greenery to be placed on a veteran’s grave. King said people can use of the “three-for-two” sponsorship special where Wreaths Across America will donate one wreath for every two which are sponsored.

“We have some donations that carried over from last year, so our current goal is to receive 200 donations this year,” King said.

Local sponsorships can be made by visiting the BSA Troop 366 Wreaths Across America website wreathsacrossamerica.org/MI0055 and clicking on the red ‘Donate’ button. Or, you may send a check made payable to “Troop 366” to BSA Troop 366 c/o LakePoint Church, 1550 W Drahner Rd, Oxford 49371, Attn: Matt King. All donations are tax deductible.

The wreaths will be placed on the veterans’ graves at Ridgelawn Memorial Cemetery, 99 W. Burdick Street at 11 a.m., before the noon Wreaths Across America Ceremony on Dec.17. The wreath laying and ceremony are open to the public and all are welcome to honor and remember our veterans. For more information, contact King at 586-873-3229. — DonRush