The Shadow
COVINGTON, VA (VR) – Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. These are the mission and values of Wreaths Across America.
You can join us by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering, or partnering with us on National Wreaths Across America Day, which will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery at 12:00 PM on December 19th. There are over 1,400 veterans buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery, and our goal is to raise enough money to place a wreath on each and every one of them.
The Alleghany Highlands Genealogical Society has done a tremendous job identifying lot numbers for all of these veterans, making the laying of the wreaths a much easier task. The number of veterans identified was overwhelming. For those in our area who would like to lay a wreath at the grave of their loved one in another area cemetery, wreaths can be ordered and picked up on the day they are received. This will be approximately two weeks prior to December 19th; however, we have not yet been notified of the exact date.
The cost of each wreath is $17.00 and can be purchased in the following ways:
Online:
Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org, select “Sponsor Wreath,” and follow the steps provided. You can also volunteer through this same website.
By Mail:
Marian Paxton
P.O. Box 1015
Covington, VA 24426
If purchasing by mail and requesting a “grave-specific” wreath, please include your veteran’s name and location within the cemetery. This information can be found at FindAGrave.com, or you can send a note to the Genealogy Society at ahgs.cov.va@gmail.com.
In Person:
You can purchase wreaths at either of the following locations:
Alleghany Highlands Genealogical Society
515 E. Pine Street
Covington, VA 24426
(Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM)
The Alleghany Historical Society
149 North Maple Avenue
Covington, VA 24426
(Hours: Tuesday, 12:30–4:30 PM; Wednesday and Thursday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM)
Throughout the year, you will find Wreaths Across America tables set up at different local events, beginning August 8th during Street Scene and September 7th following the Labor Day parade at JRSC. Notifications will be provided as additional events are scheduled.
We would like to introduce the committee members who have worked so hard to help make this event successful:
Alleghany Highlands Genealogical Society
Phil Amick and Linda Boggs
Alleghany Historical Society
Marian Paxton (also Auxiliary member)
Curtis A. Smith VFW Post 1033 Auxiliary
Brenda Linkenhoker and Linda Morrison
Covington Woman’s Club (GFWC)
Cynthia Baroody
City of Covington – Parks & Recreation
Lisa Worley
The Alleghany Highlands community is known for its support of our veterans, which was evident by the 2,800 “thank you” cards we were able to send for the 4th of July. We know the support for Wreaths Across America will be just as amazing.
If you have any questions, please reach out to any committee member, Marian Paxton at marianpaxton@gmail.com, or call 843-653-6098.
Thank you in advance for your support.
