Currently viewing the tag: "Wreaths Across America"

Wreaths Across America is an annual collaborative that honors our nation’s veterans around the holidays by placing wreaths on their graves.

Several organizations went to work to transport, deliver, unload, and distribute wreaths in the Thurmont area on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. A Sheetz truck delivered 72 boxes containing 12 wreaths per box for a total of 864 wreaths to volunteers representing the Thurmont Lions Club, the Sons of the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, the American Legion Post 168, the Town of Thurmont, Cub Scout Troop 279, and Pack 270. The wreaths were unloaded, prepared for distribution, and delivered to local cemeteries.

Pictured left to right are: April Fordham, Alex Dankanich (American Legion), Mark Resch (Pack 270), Jimmy Best with Parker Best (Troop 270) and Aubrey Best (Pack 270), Allen Middendorff (Thurmont Lions Club), Jim Robbin’s, Brian Glass, Buz Mackley, and John Byrne (American Legion).

Photo by Deb Abraham Spalding

The Thurmont Lions Club is proud to honor our Veterans with its 3rd Annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony on December 17, 2022. This ceremony coincides with the National ceremony that starts at noon, sharp.  The ceremony will be held at Blue Ridge Cemetery on Altamont Avenue in Thurmont. 

All are welcome to attend. Please be there before noon. All are welcome to help lay wreaths on the Veterans’ graves after the ceremony. 

If you would like to donate or purchase a wreath, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/MDBLUE  for Veterans in Blue Ridge Cemetery; www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/MDWELL for Veterans at Weller’s Cemetery, Mount Carmel, and Apples Church Cemeteries (in the notes, please put Veteran name and cemetery). Or send to The Thurmont Lions Club, 15000 Roddy Road, Thurmont, MD 21788 (in the notes, please put Veteran name and cemetery).

For more information or with any questions, contact ontheedge4life@gmail.com or 240-258-8208.

During the June 8, 2022, membership meeting, Lion President Dianne McLean (pictured on right) provided the club’s “Lion of the Year” award to Lion Carie Stafford (pictured on left). 

Lion Carie has been a Thurmont Lion since 2019.  During this short period of time, she has single-handedly taken on the planning and coordination of two very important service projects: Wreaths Across America and the club’s annual 9/11 Memorial program. Each of these important programs require a considerable amount of time, effort, and coordination. Lion Carie contacted several individuals and groups to participate in both programs, which included politicians, musicians, speakers, and first responders, just to name a few.

As a leader of Scout Troop 270, she has also assisted with having Scouts help with the Thurmont Lions Club’s service and fundraising projects, such as the Easter egg hunt, the pit sandwich sales, and Colorfest. During regular club meetings, Lion Carie provides updates on the Scouts activities. She also works with the Venturing Crew and Girl Scouts. She is a dedicated Lion, supporting Lionism and community service. For more information, visit www.thurmontlionsclub.com or contact Lion Susan Favorite at skfavorite@comcast.net or 240-409-1747

Over 600 wreaths were delivered to the Thurmont American Legion on the afternoon of December 16 by Wreaths Across America.

The wreaths were placed on Veterans’ graves at Weller Cemetery and Blue Ridge Cemetery the following Saturday, December 18. The wreaths were purchased by the Thurmont Lions Club and were placed by Thurmont Scouts.

Thanks to Wreaths Across America, the Thurmont Lions Club, Thurmont Scouts, Thurmont American Legion Post 168, AMVETS Post 7, and all those that attended for helping to make this event possible.