A Memorandum of Understanding with Wreaths Across America encourages Legion posts to participate in WAA’s sponsorship program.
Last May, The American Legion and Wreaths Across America (WAA) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes a collaborative partnership focused on supporting veterans, servicemembers and military families across the United States.
This partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to honor service, strengthen communities and expand opportunities for American Legion posts to engage in meaningful fundraising while supporting the yearlong mission of WAA.
Founded in 2007, WAA is best known for organizing wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 5,500 locations nationwide each December as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. Beyond December, WAA’s year-round, free programs include educational resources for K–12 students, a Mobile Education Exhibit, partnerships with like-minded organizations, and Wreaths Across America Radio.
American Legion posts are encouraged to participate in WAA’s Sponsorship Group Program, which provides a unique opportunity to raise funds for post initiatives while helping sponsor veterans’ wreaths for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day in mid-December. Through the program, participating posts can earn funds for every wreath sponsorship generated, enabling supporters to “do good twice” by honoring veterans and directly supporting Legion programs in their communities.
This year, Wreaths Across America is scheduled for Dec. 19. Any American Legion Family members taking part in both fundraising efforts for wreaths and/or in ceremonies at area cemeteries are encouraged to share their efforts with us.
For example, American Legion Post 306 in Metropolis, Ill., recently donated $8,500 to purchase 500 wreaths that will be used at Mound City National Cemetery to help place wreaths at each of the cemetery’s 9,600 veterans’ headstones.
“This is a little token from us to honor the ones who served and to let their families know that they are missed and never forgotten,” Post 306 Commander Kenny Ramer said.
American Legion Family members taking part in Wreaths Across America this year are urged to share their plans by emailing sbrooks@legion.org ahead of time and then sharing their stories at Legiontown.org.
- Honor & Remembrance