CN: November 2, 2022

Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit honoring veterans will stop in Florissant with a special ceremony on Nov. 19

By Wendy Todd

In December of 1992, Maine businessman Morrill Worcester, who owned a family-run wreath making business, donated extra wreaths to put on veterans’ graves in Arlington National Cemetery. This informal act of patriotism sparked a tradition that has been carried out by the nonprofit, Wreaths Across America.

In addition to the tradition, WAA has a created a Mobile Education Exhibit honoring veterans that is visiting cities across the country including Florissant. The exhibit, which was created in 2017, will be

accompanied by a ceremony sponsored by the Reverend John Clark and O’Fallon Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution on Nov. 19.

The exhibit and event have been designed to bring communities together and celebrate those who have served the country.

“The goal of the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit is to bring community together and teach patriotism while remembering the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes,” said Karen

Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America.

The local DAR is happy to host the event in Florissant.

“Our chapter is very excited to host this important exhibit on Nov. 19, and help honor our St. Louis area veterans by welcoming home those who served in the Vietnam War,” said Wendy Powers Sinn, Regent, Reverend John Clark chapter of the DAR.

The event, which will include putting wreaths on gravesites of veterans, will be another way for those widowed by the Vietnam War to remember their spouses.

“Several of our chapter members are the wives of Vietnam veterans and we understand how important it is for our veterans to be recognized and celebrated by the members of our community,” said Wendy Krzyzanowski, Chair, Service for Veterans Committee, Reverend John Clark chapter of the DAR.

According to Sean Sullivan, Public Relations Manager of WAA, there are 101 participating cemeteries in Missouri and a total of 369,925 eligible veterans’ graves. Last year WAA placed more than 2.4 million wreaths at more than 3,100 participating locations across the country.

Members of the Reverend John Clark, DAR will lay wreaths on the graves of veterans at two historic cemeteries: Cold Water Cemetery in Florissant, the oldest Protestant cemetery west of the Mississippi River, and New Coldwater Burial Grounds Memorial Park in Black Jack, which is one of the few graveyards in Missouri owned by and reserved for use by African-Americans during 1886-1949.

Each wreath is made from evergreens, which symbolize longevity and endurance. The circular shape symbolizes eternity. Its clean, forest scent symbolizes purity and simplicity. Its red bow symbolizes the great sacrifice.

The event will take place between 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with a flag ceremony and “Welcome Home” for Vietnam veterans at 1:30 p.m. Local dignitaries will speak, and local vocalist and Trumpeter, Lady J Huston will perform the national anthem. Scout Troop 942, and their Scoutmaster, Steve Scott, will also assist with the ceremony. Mann Meats food truck will serve food from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

The MEE is making five Missouri stops in 2022 during November. The Nov. 19 stop in Florissant is the final Missouri stop on the tour.