Published: August 04, 2008 12:24 am            

Enid DAR chapter joining in national effort to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,” said Ronald Reagan.

That freedom, the former president said, must be fought for, protected and handed on to our children. For that reason and others, the veterans of our country — those who stood and defended the nation — should be honored in any way possible.

Enid chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution has joined a nationwide program to place a wreath on the grave of every American veteran by Dec. 13.

Wreaths Across America was founded by Worcester Wreath Co. in Maine to recognize veterans with remembrance wreaths for the holidays. The program began in 1992 with a trailer load of wreaths decorated by volunteers and placed on the graves of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The program has become a mission to honor, value and teach the value of freedom in the world today.

By creating the program, Morrill and Karen Worcester wanted to bring children and veterans together as the ideal way to express appreciation for the sacrifices they and their families made for this country.

Enid chapter of DAR is trying to kickoff the project in Enid and has established four programs to be carried out simultaneously at noon Dec. 13.

“It started at Arlington National Cemetery and it has gone out from there as people have seen it done,” said Connie Hammond, honorary Enid chapter regent.

There will be observances at Enid Woodring Regional Airport, Enid Cemetery, “The Doughboy” memorial on the grounds of the Public Library of Enid and Garfield County and at Government Springs Park.

“There are thousands of veterans at Enid Cemetery. There are 4,000 to 6,000 just at the cemetery and there’s probably no way we can collect that many, but it’s what we’re looking at,” Hammond said.

Worcester company will furnish a number of ceremonial wreaths for each site holding observances. Enid DAR has a committee of six working on the project and the group will take donations for the purchase of wreaths.

Hammond asked for sponsorships from both individuals and businesses. Sponsorship wreaths are $15 each and with the purchase of two a third one is furnished, she said.

Donations may be made by contacting Glenda Golden, 237-1326 or Hammond at 234-2040.

“We assume we will start this year and see how far we can go with it. We will go as far as people will donate. We can’t do any more than that,” Hammond said. “If people want to see more gets done, more donations need to come in.”

The ceremonial wreaths will arrive Dec. 13, but sponsorship wreaths are scheduled to arrive a few days prior and will be in place before the ceremony.

Hammond said DAR has not asked anyone yet, but will ask others to become involved.