Wreaths Across America to plant crosses Saturday
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As December's Wreaths Across America Ceremony Day approaches, the Civil Air Patrol Magic City Composite Squadron encourages the community to connect with them at a volunteer opportunity for all ages, The Planting of the Crosses, on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Beginning at 10 a.m., metal crosses will be planted at the gravesites of veterans before the North Dakota ground freezes. The crosses serve as anchors for the red and green live wreaths that will be placed in December's Wreaths Across America (WAA) Ceremony. The Planting of the Crosses is a North Dakota solution-turned-tradition to ensure the wreaths endure a harsh winter, remaining visible from snow and undisturbed by North Dakota winds.
"This effort is a community promise -- an American commitment to never forget," said Robyn Stoner, cadet parent and Minot WAA spokesperson. "Civil Air Patrol is about inspiring good character and teaching leadership skills to our kids. Wreaths Across America teaches the value of freedom and the cost of that freedom. As a parent, these are lessons I want to teach. It's inspiring to see our squadron's Cadets out here working to honor our past. CAP and WAA fit hand in hand. We hope to see new faces volunteer this year and helpers of all ages are welcome. You are never too old or too young to be a supervisor. Bring your coffee or cocoa and come plant with us."
On Dec. 13 at 10 a.m., join the Civil Air Patrol Magic City Composite Squadron and WAA volunteers for the wreath hanging. Volunteers are asked to hang each wreath, say the name of the fallen, salute their service and remember their sacrifice.
Wreath sponsorship helps ensure a live Balsam wreath is laid on every veteran's grave in Minot's Rosehill Memorial Park Cemetery. A wreath and bow are $17 and can be ordered at MinotWreaths.org. Pair wreaths are available, with a wreath hung on the veteran's grave and another sent to the home of family or a loved one. The home pair wreaths come with American and service branch flags.