Organization seeks sponsors to honor veterans’ sacrifices

As Veterans Day approaches, Wreaths Across America is expanding its use of technology to help fulfill its mission to remember, honor, and teach about America’s veterans. National Wreaths Across America Day this year is Saturday, Dec. 19.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization best known for placing veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of America’s fallen at Arlington National Cemetery. Today, it places more than 2 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths at over 2,200 participating locations nationwide, including veterans cemeteries in Delaware. In this challenging year, the organization had to be open to new approaches including innovative use of technology.

Wreaths Across America’s existing website capabilities allow for customized fundraising pages for participating locations and sponsorship groups. Wreaths Across America Radio, an internet radio station, brings listeners a unique mix of music, interviews and entertainment designed to uplift the American spirit.

WAA’s Mobile Education Exhibit hit the road early this summer. The internal movie theater and interactive learning displays help remember the sacrifices of this nation’s heroes, honor living veterans and teach future generations about the price of freedom.

In the last two years, by partnering with AT&T veterans, WAA has been able to offer a pilot Text to Donate program so donors in several states can sponsor a veteran’s wreath for a family member or loved one from the comfort and safety of their own home. By texting 20222 and a text code specific to an area cemetery, donors can contribute using their mobile phone. All mobile users can obtain a tax receipt for donations made via text message by visiting: mobilegiving.org/tax-receipt/.

Donors can also sponsor a wreath for $15 at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/. Each sponsorship goes toward a fresh balsam veteran’s wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero.

To find a nearby cemetery to support, go to wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/search?searchType=location.