Historical Society has orders for 200 wreaths so far
A new community project has taken off at the Parsons Historical Society, Wreaths Across America. Jonna Gabbert and other museum board members recently asked the city commission to utilize Oakwood Cemetery to lay holiday wreaths for veterans buried there. Several commissioners had heard of the nationwide program and approved the museum’s request.
Gabbert said the national wreath laying day is Dec. 14. Parsons will have a ceremony at noon after which volunteers will place the wreaths.
The Parsons Historical Society has sold over 200 wreaths for Oakwood Cemetery. The deadline to order them is Monday, Dec. 2.
Wreaths for other Parsons’ area cemeteries have also been sold and will be placed by the museum board and volunteers. Gabbert noted she first heard of the program through her uncle, George Schneickert, as his family volunteers to lay wreaths in Arlington National Cemetery every year. Her father, John, and her uncle served in the Army and her grandfather was a POW, serving in the United States Navy in the 1940s.
“The museum has several displays honoring veterans, and after researching
See WREATHS, Page 8.
the Wreaths Across America (WAA) program, I thought it would be a great fit for the Historical Society to honor our local veterans buried in the area and beautify the city and local cemeteries. Susan Harrison-Washington, the vice chair of the Historical Society’s wreath program, retired from the federal government after a 30-year career, so it was perfect partnering with her because we both care deeply about honoring the local fallen heroes. WAA has a beautiful history and story on how it was founded. The program continues to grow annually,” Gabbert said.
Wreaths Across America has over 4,600 participating locations in 50 states and abroad. Their mission is to remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.
The live fir wreaths cost $17 and will be on display for several weeks before being removed by volunteers. Anyone can sponsor a wreath for a veteran or people can sponsor grave-specific wreaths for friends or family members. Gabbert and Harrison-Washington said they have had businesses sponsor numerous wreaths and people contact them from other states that want to get a wreath.
People interested in ordering a wreath to be displayed on a veteran’s grave can find the link on the Parsons Historical Society’s Facebook page or they can email [email protected] or message 620-450-6060 to have a paper form delivered.
Individuals may also place orders to pick up wreaths and to take to the graves of veterans in cemeteries that have not yet been adopted by organizations through the Wreaths Across America program.
The Historical Society is also looking for volunteers to assist them on Dec. 14, National Wreaths Across America Day, to put out the wreaths. Gabbert said the museum plans to continue this program annually and people can contact the Parsons Historical Society for more information.
