Richard Reuer, Minot

I want to begin with this letter to the editor in first thanking all who have in the past nine years help bring and make Wreaths Across America as special time of honoring the lives of our service men and women and their families, by giving the Gift of Remembrance, through sponsoring a veteran’s wreath each year to ensure an American hero was honored.

Each year as we would present this event through the mission of Wreaths Across America (REMEMBER-HONOR-TEACH). It was our hope each year to educate our community as wreaths were laid in Sections 12 & 16, Medal of Honor Memorial site at Roosevelt Park, four Civil War veterans near gate 3 and the 9 gates surrounding Rosehill Memorial Park Cemetery. Remembering our fallen – Honoring those who serve – Teaching our children the value of freedom.

I regret to say in this letter that due to some health issues, my provider informed me that I needed to step down and let someone else take over. I felt devastated and helpless in making that decision. Minot Civil Air Patrol has always provided their assistance with the transportation and logistics of when the wreaths would arrive. But it takes an Event Coordinator to coordinate and delegate others in the stagging and preparation of this annual event.

Along with my having to step down, I’ve even had to say good-bye to setting up throughout the years different veterans displays in the lobby of the Grand Hotel as well as other places that would allow me to set up. I have asked the Ward County Historical Society to accept my wall of honors (Vietnam, Purple Heart and POW/MIA) just to name a few to be place in their museum.

Last year I was not able to set up during the month of December two veterans displays: Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance and the veterans family traditional Christmas table which was going to be called “The Christmas They Never Had” dinner table.

I have been trying to find another person to take on this responsibility, and time is running short, as this month our Wreaths Across America Headquarters has asked all location coordinator to renew their location for this year’s annual Wreaths Across America. I have been told by my Wreaths Across America Regional Liaison that if our location is not able to find a coordinator, then our community will not be able to host this annual event this year.

With that being said, if there is anyone that wishes to take on this responsibility to please contact me at 701-441-1170 or richardreuer@srt.com to set up a meeting schedule time to share what all is involved in being the coordinator for this annual event. My last date of being Wreaths Across America Event Coordinator ended on Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Every year Wreaths Across America would come up with a theme and every year I would take those words to create a motto for our locations. Last year our motto was: Find a way to serve – Be their witness for everyone plays a part to be an American worth fighting for – Live up to their Legacy.