Wreaths Across Texas

For the past six years, the Jacob’s Well Daughters of the American Revolution have participated in the National Wreaths Across America Day program to place wreaths at national, state, and military cemeteries.

The program originated at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. On December 14, volunteers, with the help of boy and girl scouts, place remembrance wreaths on the graves of U.S. service members. In a brief ceremony, volunteers say the name of the person and thank them for their service as they place a wreath on their grave. The mission of the movement is to remember the people who died in the line of duty, to honor those who currently serve, and to teach children the value of freedom and the service that is required to keep it alive. The balsam wreaths, with their signature red bows, are sponsored by citizens who want to honor family, friends and other service members.

In a tribute closer to home, Jacob’s Well DAR members and volunteers will join forces with Austin organizations to place wreaths as part of the National Wreaths Across America undertaking at the Texas State Cemetery on December 14.

Jacob’s Well DAR Regent, Susan Higginbothan, said that the activity is “a great way to get your kids involved” in the rituals of remembrance. “You’ll see all generations out there, working together on that day. Many hands make the work lighter so we invite volunteers to help us with this important show of respect.”

Higginbothan plans to purchase three wreaths this year. One will honor her father, a World War II veteran, another will honor her relative who was an American Revolution patriot, and the third will honor someone she doesn’t know, for the sake of honoring him or her.

The cost to sponsor a wreath is a reasonable $17 and is managed online at wreathsacrossamerica. org. Sponsors can request that wreaths be placed in cemeteries across the country, not just in Austin.

Jacob’s Well DAR members will be at the 9 a.m. Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Plaza at the EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens to answer questions and to encourage volunteers to participate.

For more information about this program go to wreathsacrossamerica. org or email jacobswellnsdar@ gmail. com.