The custom of placing a wreath on a gravestone goes back to Ancient Greece. The evergreen boughs and circular shape represent the “victory of the eternal spirit over life.” In more recent times, the action has become strongly associated with how we honor and remember our veterans.
This holiday season, EASE will partner with Wreaths Across America in its quest to lay a wreath upon every veteran gravesite in the country. EASE has purchased 100 wreaths (with additional wreaths personally purchased by employees) designated for the Oakdale Cemetery in Marysville. The donation will sponsor wreaths through the Victor A. Hammond Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol of Union County.
“We are honored to have the support of an organization like EASE as we honor our veterans in the community. We look forward to working with them on our Wreaths placement. The members of the Civil Air Patrol have conducted this ceremony over the last ten years during the holiday season. Ever since the unit was established in 2006, we always look forward to working with and supporting our community.”
Lt Col James A. Himes, CAP
Public Affairs Officer
Group VIII GLR-OH-291
Victor A Hammond Squadron GLR-OH-234
Deputy Director of Public Affairs
Ohio Wing GLR-OH-001
In addition to the donation, EASE will assist in the delivery and placement of wreaths, scheduled to take place Saturday, December 19, at 12:00 PM. There will be a ceremony open to the public.
As EASE accelerates as a company, it is increasingly important that we give back to the community. “Participating in worthy events such as Wreaths Across America,” says EASE CEO Peter Coratola, “is a way to take a step back and be grateful for the freedoms and opportunities fought for by those who have come before.” EASE intends to greatly expand its philanthropic activities as a way to better support our mission.
Wreaths Across America was established, unofficially, in 1992, when the Morrill Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, experienced a surplus of wreaths and donated 5,000 to local cemeteries. Year after year, the tradition continued and grew, until it became an official non-profit organization in 2007. Today, its efforts honor more than a million veterans at more than a thousand cemeteries nationwide.
If you would like to join EASE in our support of Wreaths Across America, please visit this website.
