Friday, December 14, 2007
Wreaths Across America Commemorated At State Capitol
Governor Culver Urges Iowans to Lay Wreaths to Honor Fallen Heroes
(DES MOINES) – Today Governor Chet Culver urged Iowans to participate in Wreaths Across America. The Wreaths Across America campaign started 15 years ago when Worcester Wreath Company (a for-profit commercial business from Harrington, Maine) began a tradition of placing wreaths on the headstones of our Nation's fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery.
On Monday, December 10th, 51 wreaths were donated for a special wreath-laying ceremony at each State Capital and 36" ceremonial wreath for our Nation's Capital. All wreath-laying ceremonies will be held concurrently on Saturday, December 15th, at 11:00 a.m. CST. This year, Iowans will commemorate with a ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol West Steps.
Governor Culver said, “During this season of joy and celebration, we must also remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. They are Iowa’s eternal patriots. I encourage Iowans to never forget the ultimate sacrifice of these brave men and women, and during this holiday season keep their loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.”
Next year, the wreath laying ceremony will take place at the new Iowa Veterans Cemetery (IVC). IVC will be the first state-owned and operated veterans cemetery in the State of Iowa. The cemetery will serve the veteran population throughout the state and when construction is completed, any eligible veteran, their spouse and eligible dependents may be interred at the cemetery. The cemetery is centrally located on 96 acres in Dallas County bordering Interstate 80 approximately 10 miles west of Des Moines near Van Meter, Iowa.
Construction began in July 2007, with an anticipated opening around Memorial Day 2008. Thanks to the generous contribution of land by William and Susan Knapp and the Ronald and Margaret Kenyon families, and a combination of a federal grant and state funds, veterans and family members will have a new state benefit in the form of dignified military burial.
Wreaths Across America was formed as a non-profit organization in 2007, in direct response to the many letters and requests from supporters all around the Country, about how they too could get involved and bring the Arlington Wreath Project experience to their local communities.