By Guy Page

With the Dec. 1 deadline just days away, Wreaths Across America’s Vermont coordinator says the statewide effort to ensure every veteran’s grave receives a wreath is inches from the finish line.

“We are sooooo close,” said Vermont state coordinator Susan Sweetser, who offered an update Friday on remaining needs at several cemeteries still short of their sponsorship goals.

Two locations have already reached the finish line: Fort Ethan Allen Cemetery and the Vermont Veterans Home Cemetery in Bennington have fully met their wreath goals.

But two other sites are still seeking support. The largest remaining gap is at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph, where 515 wreaths still need sponsors. Supporters can donate at wreathsacrossamerica.org/VT0019. Sweetser noted that contributors can also simply type “Vermont” into the organization’s search bar.

Saint Albans, which Sweetser said was the only Vermont site that fell short last year, still needs 296 wreaths. Even though Hillside Cemetery in Castleton exceeded its goal and pledged 100 wreaths to help the effort, Saint Albans remains short. Sponsors can sign up here.

“This group has only had a small number of wreaths sponsored in the last ten days,” she said. “Even with extra wreaths donated from Castleton, they STILL need 296 wreaths sponsored by MONDAY, 12/1.”

Sweetser encouraged Vermonters to spread the word, sponsor wreaths, or share the campaign on social media. The final deadline is Monday, Dec. 1.

“I think VVMC will hit goal,” she said. “I am not as confident about Saint Albans. Fingers crossed. I am putting positive into the universe.”

Wreaths Across America will hold its national remembrance ceremonies on Dec. 14, with Vermont sites participating in the annual tribute to fallen service members.