WILLIAMSBURG — The local Williamsburg Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapter is gearing up to host a wreath-laying event on Dec. 16, and the team is actively searching for wreath sponsors.
Wreaths Across America and the Williamsburg DAR are working in tandem to place wreaths on every veteran’s grave at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Currently, the Williamsburg DAR chapter is just shy of its goal of one on every grave.
Robin Doucette, Regent for the Williamsburg DAR, is actively searching for additional wreath sponsors.
“The mission for Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and to teach the next generation the cost of freedom. We need to say thank you. They were willing to put on a uniform and die for me to preserve our freedom and our way of life. The very least we can do is to lay a wreath in their honor and in their memory. These men and women deserve it,” Doucette said.
All the wreaths will be delivered to the Williamsburg DAR chapter in advance of the ceremony from Wreaths Across America headquarters in Maine. This year marks the second time that the Williamsburg DAR chapter will be placing the wreaths at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
During the ceremony on Dec. 16, each grave will be donned with a wreath and the name of the deceased veteran will be spoken. Each grave will also be donned with an American flag. There will be a short program including the singing of the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, the presentation of colors by the color guard at Langley Air Force base, a bugler, and proclamations will be read.
Participating in the program is open to anyone in the public who would like to help on Dec. 16. The program will take place rain or shine.
Wreath sponsorships are available online and start at $17. The deadline for sponsorships is Nov. 27. The public is invited to attend and participate in the wreath-laying ceremony on Dec. 16 beginning at noon. Parking is limited at the cemetery and overflow parking is available at the William & Mary Law School.
For more information on the Williamsburg DAR, visit williamsburgdar.org.