By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

The Oxford Cemetery will once again be one of the locations for Wreaths Across America to lay wreaths on the headstones of military veterans who are laid to rest there.

The cemetery will join the more than 4,900 participating locations across the country to “Remember, Honor and Teach” on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Through the guidance of Clarissa Sherrow, Oxford has raised enough funds to place 1350 sponsored veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of local heroes who are laid to rest there. This initiative aims to ensure that the individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country will never be forgotten and to bring the community together in patriotic commemoration. This is the 17th year that the cemetery in Oxford will participate in this national program.

Wreaths Across America started as a simple gesture of thanks that has grown into a national, year-long movement of dedicated volunteers and communities coming together to not only remember the nation’s fallen and honor their service, but to teach the next generation about the value of freedom.

Anyone can sponsor a veteran’s wreath in honor of or in memory of a loved one who served in the armed forces. Or, you can sponsor and allow volunteers to designate a recipient among the millions of heroes who rest in honored glory.

Volunteers are invited to work with Wreaths Across America to honor the veterans throughout the year. From laying wreaths locally to leading a sponsorship group or coordinating a ceremony location, there are many ways to get involved.

It’s a great opportunity to invite your network of friends, family, coworkers and organizations to join as Wreaths Across America strives to honor every veteran. As the scope of the mission grows, so too does the need for support. Help is always needed to spread the word.

Almost every family has a veteran in the family tree that has fought for freedom at one time or another. Check your family tree to learn more about who the veterans are in your own family.

“We are forever grateful for the supporters who dedicate their time, energy and resources to fulfilling our mission all year long,” said a Wreaths Across America spokesperson.

Those interested in volunteering for Wreaths Across America or sponsoring a wreath for Oxford are invited to visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/PA025  to learn more or they can contact Clarissa Sherrow, 484-645-4513 or e-mail [email protected].

National Wreaths Across America Day is a free community event open to all people.