Community Corner
Wreaths Across America: Never Forget
The Lempke Blackwell VFW takes part in the annual ceremony to remember our veterans.
"To be killed in war is not the worst that can happen. To be lost is not the worst that can happen... to be forgotten is the worst."
Those are the words of Pierre Claeyssens, who lived from 1909-2003, that appear on the home page of Wreaths Across America.
Hence, the second Saturday of December has been designated to remember veterans with the laying of wreaths at Arlington and at 500 cemeteries all across the United States and beyond, including Oakwood and St. Mary in New Baltimore.
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The laying of wreaths is an act of remembrance, and also a chance to teach our young about the sacrifices that veterans and their famlies make. Thousands of volunteers put in time to make Wreaths Across America possible.
Locally, the Lempke Blackwell VFW is taking part in Wreaths Across America on Dec. 10, after a successful start in 2010 with area service clubs lending their time and manpower, including the New Baltimore Lions, Selfridge NM Lions, the AMVETS, and the .
Find out what's happening in New Baltimore-Chesterfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The event begins at the post with a 10:30 a.m. social hour, where guests can hear speakers and enjoy coffee and baked goods At 11:30 a.m. a procession will go to St. Mary's Cemetery, for a noontime moment of silence and blessing as the wreaths are placed.
The cost to sponsor a wreath: $15 for individual; $60 for a family (four wreaths); $150 for small business (10 wreaths); and service club/large business, $15 per wreath. Visit our event listing for details.
The Lempke-Blackwell VFW Hall is located at 35011 23 Mile Road. St. Mary Cemetery is located at 36105 24 Mile Road, and Oakwood Cemetery is at 35900 24 Mile Road.
