Events and Activities : Mt. Auburn Cemetery---New site for Wreaths Across America

The Mt. Auburn Cemetery has been accepted into the Wreaths Across America Organization's program to honor fallen Veterans. Wreaths Across America started in 1992 when a wreath company in the state of Maine had a surplus of handmade wreaths for the Christmas season. The owner of the company called his state senator to see what options were available for the wreaths instead of disposing them. Through coordination, it was decided to place the wreaths on Veterans graves in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. The program has expanded over the years and is now active in all 50 states. Mt. Auburn is the sixth location in the state of Iowa to be accepted into the Wreaths Across America program.

Ruth Ann Coots Intlekofer became aware of the program and coordinated submission of Mt. Auburn into the program. As Location Coordinator, she stated 'the goal is that every single Veteran in the Mt. Auburn Cemetery will have a wreath placed on their grave for Christmas. Needless to say, donations are welcome and volunteers will be needed as the date grows closer. This year placement of the wreaths will occur nationally on December 13 at 11:00 am. This event is open to the public and will occur regardless of the weather.

Wreaths can be purchased in memory of a specific veteran or a wreath can be donated to an anonymous Veteran that is buried in the Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Wreaths are hand made in ten segments and hand tied red bows complement the fresh greenery. Cost of a wreath is $15.

If anyone is interested in donating a wreath, please call Ruth at 636-262-7818 or via email at inkandruth@gmail.com

Visit 'I Love Mt. Auburn Iowa' on Facebook to keep updated with the most recent information about Wreaths Across America.