MARANA, Ariz. (KGUN) — A nonprofit is working to make sure veterans laid to rest across cemeteries in our neighborhoods, and nationally, are honored next month.
Lori Schaeffler, a location coordinator for Wreaths Across America, has been involved with the organization since 2009. She has watched the participation grow dramatically over the years.
"I got my wreaths by FedEx - six boxes by a FedEx truck that just dropped them off at my front porch," Schaeffler said when talking about the first year she got involved. "Fast forward to last year, we got two tractor-trailer loads and escorted in here by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. It's pretty awesome to watch."
The National Wreaths Across America Day ceremony takes place simultaneously at thousands of cemeteries nationwide on Saturday, Dec. 13.
“All the same exact time, same script, same words being spoken across the nation from Arlington all the way to California," Schaeffler said .
She says the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Marana is still in need of about 1,300 wreaths by the November 28 deadline. She believes the recent government shutdown has impacted the number of wreath sponsorships so far this year.
"That paycheck that they didn't get that they would've bought five wreaths like they normally do – they didn't because they were worried about, 'am I going to buy Thanksgiving or Christmas for my kids?'" Schaeffler said.
She explained how impactful the wreaths can be to the families of veterans.
"It means the world to them because it means we haven't forgotten, because a veteran dies twice – once when they die and once you stop saying their name," Schaeffler said.
Southern Arizona cemeteries participating and in need of wreaths:
Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery At Marana
Marana Mortuary Cemetery
East Lawn Palms Mortuary And Cemetery
Evergreen Cemetery
Holy Hope Cemetery
South Lawn Mortuary And Cemetery
Our Lady Of The Desert Cemetery
Green Valley Mortuary And Cemetery
Arivaca Cemetery
Nogales City Cemetery
Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery
Bisbee Evergreen Cemetery
The ceremonies will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 13.
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Madison Thomas joined KGUN 9 in July of 2023 as a multimedia journalist. She graduated from Arizona State University in May of 2023 with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She has lived in Arizona her entire life and grew up in Douglas. Madison is thrilled to share the stories from the community she grew up in. Share your story ideas and important issues with Madison by emailing madison.thomas@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
