Thousands of pine wreaths will soon decorate tombstones of fallen military members at PPNC
Bradley Davis
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – A non-profit is spearheading the fundraiser of over 5,000 wreaths for the tombstones of military members at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery (PPNC).
The Auxiliary members of American Legion Post 2008 (ACA) are acting as the local partner for Wreaths Across America. The group still needs about 200 wreaths to meet its goal of 5,025 headstones. If ACA exceeds its goal, ACA said the extras will go to the Fort Lyon National Cemetery.
“The community shows up and takes care of the veterans around here,” said ACA member Jennifer Kendig, who is spearheading the local Wreaths Across America initiative.
Jennifer said she’s had help from dozens of others, including veterans like her husband.
“We have people from out of state that contact us and say, ‘Can you make sure I get a wreath on my son’s, on my husband’s grave?’ and we’ll take a picture of that and send it to them, Jennifer’s husband, James “Farmer” Kendig said.
James is a Vietnam Veteran and a full member of the American Legion Post 2008.
“The heartfelt messages that come back are just overwhelming. At some point, I’ll be laid to rest here also, and then they’ll be doing it for me. That’s something I’m hopeful for in the days to come,” James said.
Jennifer orders the evergreen pine wreaths from Maine. The donation cutoff is Thanksgiving.
The wreath ceremony is 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 13th. Before placing the wreaths, volunteers will listen to a Taps performance, the National Anthem and a rifle volley. Last year, ACA said over 2000 volunteers came to help.
After Christmas, ACA said it will need volunteers for its wreath cleanup on January 24.
You can sponsor a wreath and find more information on how to volunteer here.