By VDC staff
Vermont organizers with Wreaths Across America say several cemeteries face critical shortfalls in wreath sponsorships with just over two weeks left before the December 1 deadline.
“We have had 700 wreaths sponsored this week for Vermont veterans, but that won’t be enough to get us to the finish line,” said volunteer coordinator Susan Sweetser. “We need the most help right now at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester and the St. Albans cemeteries.”
More than 10,000 veterans are buried across Vermont sites participating in the national remembrance effort, and more than 4,000 wreaths still need sponsors. Each wreath costs $17, and every sponsorship ensures a remembrance wreath is placed on a veteran’s grave during Wreaths Across America ceremonies on December 14.
Why place wreath on every grave at our veterans’ cemeteries? The Wreaths Across America website explains:
“Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
The Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph has the largest remaining need in the state, with 2,584 wreaths still lacking sponsorship. Supporters can help close the gap by visiting wreathsacrossamerica.org and typing VT0019 or VT0016 in the search bar.
The St. Albans cemeteries also face a significant shortfall, with 787 wreaths yet to be sponsored. Those wishing to contribute can visit wreathsacrossamerica.org and search for Saint Albans—and Sweetser notes it is important to spell out “Saint” in full for the listing to appear.
At Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester, volunteers are working to close a remaining gap of 288 wreaths. To sponsor wreaths for this site, supporters may go to wreathsacrossamerica.org and enter Fort Ethan Allen into the search bar.
The Bennington Veterans Home Cemetery still needs 372 wreaths to ensure every veteran’s grave is honored. Sponsorships for this site can be made by visiting wreathsacrossamerica.org and searching for Bennington.
Sweetser encourages Vermonters to share the information widely: “Please spread the word. Last day to sponsor is December 1st, just 2 1/2 weeks away.”
For those outside Vermont, Wreaths Across America hosts participating cemeteries in every state, all searchable at wreathsacrossamerica.org by entering your state in the search bar.