December 6, 2012 Washington, DC/Maine

Wreaths Across America Joins Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration is pleased to announce that Wreaths Across America will become a Commemorative Partner and help a grateful nation to thank and honor America’s Vietnam veterans and their families as part of the Vietnam War 50th anniversary.  

Wreaths Across America is among the initial organizations to join a growing and wide ranging list of commemorative partners supporting the efforts of Congressionally chartered United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration.  In doing so, Wreaths Across America will have an important role as a grateful nation thanks and honors millions of Vietnam veterans and their loved ones for their service, valor and sacrifice, especially those made by America’s Gold Star families, whose loved ones were killed during the war or were missing in action and remain unaccounted.

Vietnam veteran and retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Mick Kicklighter, director of the Vietnam War Commemoration, said, "We welcome Wreaths Across America as a Commemorative Partner of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration.  Their support will greatly help America thank and honor our Vietnam veterans, and all who have served in the defense of freedom, their families and especially our Gold Star families who have sacrificed so much."

"We are so proud to have the opportunity to partner with this important Commemoration," said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. "The Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration like Wreaths Across America is committed to teaching the next generation the importance of our freedom and the sacrifices made to ensure it."

The Wreaths Across America mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach.  Each year hundreds of wreath-laying ceremonies are held in December at Arlington National Cemetery and national cemeteries throughout all 50 states.  Wreaths Across America also organizes a week of events including international veteran’s tributes, ceremonies at State Houses and a week-long "Veteran’s Parade" between Maine and Virginia where they stop along the way to spread their message about the importance of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms.

When the convoy arrives in Washington, there will be a special ceremony Saturday Dec. 15  at The Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetary in Arlington, Virginia at 9:30 a.m. as thousands of volunteers gather to lay wreaths at the gravesites of America’s heroes. At 11:00 a.m. there will be a wreath laying at President Kennedy’s grave followed by an 11:30 a.m. wreath laying at the USS Maine Mast Memorial. The final ceremony will take place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at noon. 

For Information on the Vietnam War Commemoration and events in your area visit: https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/

For information on Wreaths Across America visit: http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/about-us/who-we-are/

The schedule for 2012 Wreaths Across America trip from Calais, Maine to Washington, DC visit:  http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/events/escort-to-arlington/