Fall may be just beginning, but it is only 15 weeks until Christmas. To honor Veterans at that special time of the year, the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association is launching “Wreaths of Remembrance.”
Through this effort, people can donate toward wreaths for placement on Veterans’ graves at the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery. The goal is to have a wreath for each of the more than 2,000 Veteran graves in the cemetery.
“Giving ‘A Wreath of Remembrance’ is a special way to recognize the service and sacrifice given by so many Veterans for all of us, during a special season,” said George Collins, president of the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association. He continued, “We are very pleased that this is totally a community project and we deeply appreciate the support of Lowes in this project.”
The Association is the “Official Friends Group” of the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site and a nonprofit organization. The Association is seeking a donation of $10.00 for each wreath. All funds donated through the drive will go for purchase of the wreaths. The Association receives no income from this project and they cover all administrative cost.
This year the “Wreaths of Remembrance” project is supported by Lowes of Greeneville who are furnishing the wreaths at a reduced cost. The Association has also contributed to purchasing the wreaths. Therefore, the cost of each wreath is very reasonable for members of our community.
Aaron Shandor, Supt. of the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, said, “Although we strongly support the “Wreaths of Remembrance” project, we are unable to cover the cost. We are sincerely grateful to all the donors who support the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association in achieving the goal of having all 2,000 Veterans’ graves recognized during the Christmas season.”
On December 7, the 82nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor, the wreaths will be taken in procession from the local Lowes to the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery beginning at 8:45 am. The wreaths will be escorted by the Greeneville Police Department, Tusculum Fire Department, and members of the U.S. Military Veterans Motorcycle Club. Upon arriving at the cemetery, the wreaths will be placed on Veterans’ graves by volunteers.
On December 9th a “Day of Dedication” will be held at the cemetery with a ceremony scheduled at 11:30 am. The ceremony is coordinated by the staff of the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, the Greene County Veterans Association, and the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association.
To purchase one or more wreaths. Mailed your donation to the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association, P.O. Box 5971, Greeneville, TN 37743. Include a return address and e-mail and note if you wish the wreath(s) given in memory or honor of a Veteran. You can also go to the Association web page at andrewjohnsonheritage.org to print a pledge card.
For additional information contact George Collins at 423-525-0240 or at [email protected]. The Andrew Johnson Heritage Association is a 501c-3 nonprofit organization founded in 1982 by Martha Johnson Patterson Bartlett, the great granddaughter of President Andrew Johnson.
