Motivated to build off of the resounding success of last year’s “Wreaths Across America” initiative, Passaic County Technical-Vocational School District (PCTVS) has set a lofty goal for 2020: to sponsor a wreath for every fallen veteran interred at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa. Fundraising efforts kicked off this month, and gravesite wreaths will be placed at a special ceremony on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 12:00pm.
Wreaths Across America, a non-profit organization, began in 1992 in Harrington, Maine, when the Worcester Wreath Company sought to turn a surplus of 5,000 holiday wreaths into an opportunity to pay tribute to our country’s veterans. With the help of then Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, the company’s owner, Morrill Worcester, arranged for the surplus wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery as a tribute to our country’s veterans.
The tradition has continued on and over the last 28 years, the event has grown in scope, touching the lives of thousands of veterans’ families and volunteers. Last year, Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers placed nearly 1.8 million veterans' wreaths at 2,100 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. In its inaugural year of participation, PCTVS proudly sponsored 1,278 wreaths.
“Our campus has a proud tradition of maintaining strong relationships with local veterans’ groups and commemorating patriotic remembrance days throughout the year,” said Diana C. Lobosco, Superintendent. “Wreaths Across America is another valuable way for our students to learn about the character, courage, and service of American veterans and to show gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
PCTVS is seeking support from the community in order to help reach the goal of 3,700 wreaths. Individuals and businesses can sponsor a wreath by making a $15 contribution at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NJ0159 by Tuesday, November 24, 2020.
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Passaic County Technical-Vocational School District Strives to Expand Impact of “Wreaths Across America” Partnership |