Wreaths Across America and Gold Star Wives enter partnership

National nonprofit Wreaths Across America has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Gold Star Wives of America Inc., in an effort to build a stronger awareness for each group’s common missions while supporting educational events all over the nation that will help teach lessons of character and patriotism to the next generation.

Founded in 2007, and headquartered in Columbia Falls, Maine, WAA is best known for its annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and now more than 2,500 additional locations nationwide. It organizes efforts all year to support its mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

GSW is a congressionally chartered nonprofit service organization established 1945. Its mission is to preserve and enhance benefits to surviving U.S. military spouses and children; to help its members and their children face the future with courage and determination; and to honor the memory of their military spouses who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The MOU outlines nine key agreements, such as establishing a steering committee with a representative from each organization, and supporting collaborative volunteer efforts for joint events and community service activities that bring awareness to both groups’ missions.

“Since WAA was founded, Gold Star Wives has been involved in the mission, and its members play an important part in sharing the stories of character and service we hope to teach to the country,” said Karen Worcester, WAA executive director. “This official partnership is long overdue, and I'm eager to start our work together. Our combined efforts will no doubt help to shape and inform the next generation of patriots.”

GSW National President Nancy Menagh has devoted her life to service, not only as a military spouse supporting her husband, Capt. Philip S. Menagh, USMC, but continuing on long after his passing. She taught her children, both of whom served in the U.S. Air Force, the importance of sacrifice and character.  “Our membership is made up of the men and women left behind. While our loved one made the supreme sacrifice, we are the ones left to live that sacrifice every day. We are an organization that serves ... our spouses served and we serve,” said Menagh.

This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will take place Saturday, Dec. 18. “The experience of placing a wreath at the final resting place of one of our nation’s veterans and understanding the healing that this simple gesture has for so many families and the opportunity it provides to share the stories of these heroes makes this an important partnership,” said Menagh.