Wreaths Across America preparing for December wreath laying

Nov. 4, 2020 | Ryan Feyre
RFeyre@thewestfieldnewsgroup.com

AGAWAM – Agawam’s branch for Wreaths Across America is asking people to sponsor wreaths for fallen soldiers who are buried at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Gina Willette, the location coordinator at the cemetery, said that their main goal at this moment is to try and get people to purchase wreaths at $15 a piece.

“We do have a Facebook page, and we do have a form that people can mail in,” said Willette. “Or they can just send a check into ‘Wreaths Across America’ if they put a location and group code on their check.”

According to Willette, adding the location and group code is very important when sending in a check because it allows the check to be sent to the Agawam branch. The Group ID number is MA0104P, and the Location ID is MASVCA, according to the form that is posted on the Agawam Wreaths Across America Facebook page.

Due to the pandemic, Agawam’s branch is encouraging those who can donate more to do so since this year’s challenge “to fulfill the mission is greater than any year before.” The Wreaths Across America organization is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, and all donations are tax deductible.

Willette believes that this is a perfect opportunity to honor the Veterans during a time when things are more unpredictable than ever before.

“I think it [the sponsoring of the wreaths] is very important right now,  especially because this year, it is so tough on everybody,” said Willette. “You want to do something good in the world right now, and to remember those who have fallen.”

Outside of sponsoring wreaths, Willette emphasizes other ways in which people can show their appreciation for those who have sacrificed their lives in war. She continues to push the motto of “Remember, Honor, Teach,” which means “we remember the veterans, we honor them, and we teach the younger generations.”

Part of memorializing the veterans involves teaching the children as much as possible, which is something Willette prides herself on doing. She wants parents to know that there’s a myriad of ways to teach kids about remembering our soldiers.

“I think also that kids are very inquisitive and they ask questions,” said Willette. “Sometimes people shy away from answering them, but it’s okay to say, ‘your grandfather fought in World War II, and this is what he did.’”

If parents may not know answers to their children’s questions, Willette encourages them to speak to veterans about what certain terminology means, and how stories can be passed on from generation to generation without dying.

“If you stop telling the stories, then the kids don’t hear it,” said Willette. “And it’s okay to reach out to veterans groups, and reach out to a veteran and say, ‘Hey my kid has this question, and how can I answer this?’”

To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/AgawamWreaths/.

Share this: