Submission Record: 5314

ENTRY FORM

Community

Council Information:

Program Information:

Describe the program in full detail using the space below and on page 2. Programs must be organized by the council or involve significant participation by council members to qualify.  Programs must also engage members by enhancing faith and spirituality, serving a charitable purpose, or a combination of the two. Program descriptions should reference how they meet these criteria. Along with the description of the program, provide the program's purpose, goals, accomplishments and why it deserves to win the award.

Supplementary material may be submitted along with the nomination. Accompanying materials can include letters, testimonials, news clippings, photographs, pamphlets, etc. Do not submit tapes, videocassettes, DVD’s, display materials, films, etc., as they will not be considered in judging the nomination.

Mission: To lay a wreath on a Veterans grave to Remember, Honor and Teach on National Wreath's Across America Day 

Chair: Ronald Metivier and John Knorr

St. Joseph Council 6850 and Assembly 2644 conducted a Wreath's Across America Ceremony for our veterans  at our church cemetery.  We held a fund raiser to collect money for the purchase of wreaths and was very well received.  We asked our local American Legion Post 51 to join us.  They provided the Color Guard, firing squad and taps.  Fr. David Gagnon lead us in prayer and blessed the wreaths. The American Legion presented the colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  We then placed a large wreath on our biggest hero! Jesus on the Cross, as a symbol of our Love for Him. 

At this time Sir Knights placed wreaths on all the Military Service Flags to honor all our service men now serving.  We dedicated our  first Wreath's Across America to Captain John Jean who served for 13 months in Vietnam, then came home and was killed in an auto accident. His large family of 13 was very strong force at our church.  We called on the American Legion for dedication of our brave veterans with the firing squad and taps.  Fr. David led us in a closing prayer.  

At this time everyone placed a wreath on a Veterans grave by calling out their names and either saluting or given the sign of the cross for each.  This concluded our service.  

We had about 50 persons in attendance with very positive feedback.  The mission, To Remember, Honor and Teach was accomplished by all in attendance.  A youth high school basketball team from our town participated and served as another aspect of the teaching mission.  We recognized 160 veterans with a wreath that day.   

Files Attached: