The well-known Wreaths Across America program is coming to Fayette County this year.  Many Americans have seen the photographs of the Christmas wreaths adorning the headstones of thousands of veterans buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC, honoring their service and sacrifice during the holidays.  Every wreath is paid for from donations of private citizens and corporations.  Every wreath is placed on a grave by willing volunteers. 
 
In 1992, the first few wreaths were placed at Arlington and the support for this program has grown ever since as the word has spread.  In 2006, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force, joined an effort to expand the program nationwide and assist with the placement of additional wreaths on the burial markers of veterans in our national military cemeteries and later on the headstones of veterans in local cemeteries in cities and towns across our nation.  Since that time, hundreds of thousands of Christmas wreaths have decorated the graves of our departed heroes.
 
The Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron GA-116, based at Falcon Field, Peachtree City, will join with other CAP squadrons and civic organizations across America to honor local veterans buried here in Fayette County at the Fayetteville City Cemetery.  The decorating of the graves and the dedication ceremony that follows by cadets of CAP Squadron 116 will occur simultaneously at Noon on December 12, 2009 with similar ceremonies in hundreds of other locations. 
 
Citizens, businesses and veterans organizations are being asked to support this honoring of those that have served in our armed forces by making a $15 donation to sponsor each wreath.  Each quality wreath is hand made with Maine balsam and a hand tied red bow.  Each will be shipped to the Fayetteville City Cemetery in time for placement on a local veteran’s headstone. 
 
A wreath can be ordered in 3 different ways.  Internet orders can be made online at WWW.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.  Phone orders can be made by calling 207-483-2039.  US Mail orders can be sent to:  Wreaths Across America, PO Box 256, Harrington, ME 04643.  Be sure to mention the Local Cemetery Code:  GAFCCF.  Local Sponsoring Group Code:  GACAP116.  All orders must be received by Wreaths Across America by close of business on Wednesday, November 25.
 
For more information, contact CAP Squadron 116 at 411750@FLIGHTLINE.COM or 770-631-0771.