National Wreath Project 2008

The day began early in the parking lot of Giant Food in Gettysburg, the local food store had provided a tent in the event of inclement weather. A truck load of wreaths awaited, ABF Freight Systems had it's containers in place and volunteers were on the job before 8:00 AM. Volunteers came from as far as Quantico, VA and Annapolis, MD to help tie on the red bows. Gettysburg High School was well represented by a contingent from their J.R.O.T.C. program commanded by Col. Mike Wertz and Staff Sergeant Jones.Once again the Gettysburg Battlefield Detachment of the Marine Corps League was on hand as were members of the American Legion Post 202 and numerous friends. There were approximately 65 volunteers organized by board member Stan Clark and the job was completed with military precision and possibly world record time.

After a short lunch break at the American Legion in Gettysburg volunteers gathered at the Soldiers National Cemetery to place over 500 wreaths. Volunteers came from as far as Annapolis, MD, Philadelphia,PA  and Quantico, VA to take part in the event. Congressman Todd Platts took time from his busy schedule to be on hand and help with the placement

  On Thursday, December 4, 2008 a truck donated by Graphcom Printing of Gettysburg, PA stopped at Eisenhower Elementary School in Gettysburg, PA, it's cargo was 2800 red bows. The bows were taken into the school cafeteria where the three third grades took on the job of placing donor labels on each bow. FYI, every donation is divided by the cost of a completed wreath, this year the cost was $7.00 each. That number of mailing labels was printed with the donors name and hometown. It took these eager third graders less than an hour to complete the task and for their help we are eternally y grateful. A special thanks to Mrs. Joan Peck, Eisenhower's Principal who took little if any convincing to commit her third graders to the project. Eisenhower was chosen because Eric spent his grade school years at the school that was located less than two miles from his home.