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The Beginning of The National Wreath Project

The wreath project began when Eric's parents started placing wreaths on his grave around Thanksgiving of 2006. Each time they visited the cemetery with a new wreath they would place the existing wreath on the grave of a neighboring Marine. Susan eventually mentioned they should purchase more wreaths to place on as many graves as possible because far too many were not being decorated. With families all over the country the couple decided to explore the possibility of purchasing as many wreaths as possible. One thing lead to another and after discussions with the Giant Food Floral Manager, the couple was able to purchase 515 wreaths and placed them with the help of a few friends and family members on Christmas Day 2006. It was at that time that the decision was made to make it an annual event and Giant Foods of Carlisle, PA. was quick to commit to supplying the wreaths at their cost and The National Wreath Project was born.
 
Don Farren and his daughter Laura were among those to help place wreaths on a rainy Christmas morning
in 2006.		 People just appeared and asked to help even on Christmas morning. The end result was encouraging even
though we ran out of wreaths before
section 10 was
completely decorated.		  


The Flag Project

In 2006 the family decided to place flags in section 10 of the Quantico National Cemetery on Memorial Day
.
 
It was a few days before Memorial Day 2006 that Susan and John McColley along with friend Kathy McCullough traveled to the cemetery to place flags in section 10. They were soon joined by three motorcycle riders from Ohio in town for
Rolling Thunder. 		Volunteers preparing to move out. The end result is always worth the effort. Even on a very warm day in May and a cemetery with very hard ground.  


2007: The National Wreath Project


The National Wreath project of 2007 was a huge success. For the benefit of those that were unable to attend here is a brief synopsis of the events of November 30 and December 1, 2007. On November 30th at approximately 7:00 am volunteers began to gather in the parking lot of Giant Food in Gettysburg, PA. Members of Gettysburg American Legion Post 202, Gettysburg Marine Corps League Battlefield Detachment 704, Giant Food employees, friends and supporters gathered to tie 2100 red bows on the corresponding number of Wreaths. Approximately 25 volunteers completed the task in short order. Despite the fact that many wreaths were encased in snow (they had only recently arrived from Canada) the entire job was completed in under three hours. The enthusiastic group worked so fast that it became necessary to take an extended break to wait for a late arriving news crew. The wreaths were loaded into moving pods donated by ABF Trucking , the company then transported them to Quantico, VA the following day.
On Saturday, December 1st, volunteers began to gather long before the 10:00am starting time. The group was addressed by Quantico Marine Corps Base Command Chaplain, Capt. Lawrence Greenslit. Captain Greenslit’s poignant message, recalled the words of a Rabi from the memorial service following the Marine invasion of Iwo Jima.
Karl MacDonald, Executive Director of the Quantico National Cemetery expressed his appreciation to all involved and made clear his desire to see all 21,000 graves at the cemetery with Christmas Wreaths.
The group which included volunteers from as far away as Missouri and ages from the very young to the elderly then proceeded to place the 2100 wreaths on the graves in section 8, 9 and 10. It was an emotionally charged day and one that all present will remember for years to come.
  
Early arrivals on November 30th prepare area for wreath decoration   
The Marine Corps League was well represented by the Gettysburg Battlefield Detachment volunteers. Left to right Mike Rinehart, Past Commandant Wink Merry, Sgt At Arms Bill Little, Commandant Dick Billig, Stan Clark and John McColley
Giant Food employees played a key roll in making this years project a success.L-R Dave Altland, Andy Willow, Christi Shively and Chris Chisholm look on as John McColley accepts a generous donation from Gettysburg Giant Food presented by Store Manager Colin Snyder. Not pictured Dottie Polson
ABF Trucking donated the transportation of the wreaths from Gettysburg, Pa. to Quantico, VA.

       
John McColley introduces Command Chaplain, Capt. Lawrence Greenslit to the gathered volunteers
John and Susan McColley greet Quantico National Cemetery Executive Director, Karl MacDonald.
Volunteers gather for photo before wreath placement
Members of the Combat Veterans of America Motorcycle Club present John and Susan    McColley with a donation to the National Wreath Project and pledge their continued support
       
Eric’s sister, Cheryl McColley Newbanks stops to speak with a reporter from American Journal, an online magazine Sgt Mac Foundation board members Don Farren and Stan Clark
       
Gettysburg, PA., American Legion Post 202 Commander, Jim Sutton and John McColley accept donations from numerous volunteers.

     
       
   
       


2008: National Wreath Project

It is our goal to increase the number of wreaths for 2008 to 5000. The Gettysburg branch of Giant
Foods of Carlisle, PA. has once again volunteered to supply the wreaths at their cost. We do not have a firm amount at this time so we are basing our budget on the 2007 figure of $ 6.50 each. That means a total estimated cost of $32,000.00. A substantial if not staggering figure by any standard but then again that is exactly what we thought of last years goal of $13,000.00. ABF Trucking would like to continue to supply the transportation needs of the project, so all that remains is to raise the necessary funds. With everyone’s continued support, we believe this new goal will be attained.
Please continue to check this site for updates.


Please click here to view a listing of National Wreath Project supporters.




The Foundation is currently working with the Command of the Wounded Warrior Barracks at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to take 75 wounded Marines on a day trip. The Marines will be treated to a day's fishing on a charter boat, followed by a cookout of the day's catch. We are excited at the opportunity to give these men and women the chance to escape the stresses of their respective situations and simply relax for a day.

Similar events to the one taking place at Camp Lejeune are planned for Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. Dates are to be announced.

Please check-back soon as we will be posting pictures from our program events.




A Marine Sgt. Major is currently sending regular care packages to Marines in forward areas. The Sgt. Mac Foundation is working with this individual to help get these packages and supplies out.

Please check-back soon as we will be posting pictures from our program events.