What does Lovelock have in common with the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Bunker Hill, Valley Forge and the World Trade Center site in New York City? They all participate in National Wreaths Across America Day in memory of their veterans.
This year, Lovelock joins in for the first time.
Lovelock’s ceremony will take place at Big Meadows Cemetery on Dec. 18 at 10 a.m.
Silver Sage Grange is sponsoring Winnemucca’s ceremony, also a first. High Desert Grange will help lay wreaths in Fallon. They are sponsoring Lovelock’s event.
Elizabeth Blondheim is Lovelock’s site coordinator. She works full-time at the Pershing County District Attorney’s Office, child support division. The Blondheims are a military family of five.
“I saw a poster for Wreaths Across America – Fallon, and thought, ‘We need that in Lovelock because we have so many veterans.’ It’s important to get everybody interested in honoring our forces.”
How can I help?
According to Wiletta (Sis) Reid of the American Legion Post #6, there are 379 veterans buried in Lovelock’s cemeteries. That includes 233 at Lone Mountain Cemetery, 123 at Big Meadows and 23 at the Lovelock Indian Cemetery.
Blondheim’s goal is to lay a wreath on each grave. She’ll have help from the Pershing County 4-H, the youth of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Future Farmers of America and the American Legion Post #6.
Each sponsorship costs $15. Blondheim is counting on Lovelock to sponsor a wreath for each veteran. It’s also possible to sponsor multiple wreaths or a wreath for a specific veteran.
“Help us meet our goal for our first annual event here in Lovelock,” says Blondheim. “We are looking for volunteers to help with the ceremony and wreath sponsorships.”
Wreaths Across America sends the sponsored wreaths to the sites before the ceremony. They do not send wreaths to the people buying the sponsorships.
How can I sponsor a wreath?
“We will take orders in person on three dates,” says Blondheim. The first date is Oct. 23 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Crazy Corners Saloon during the Pershing County 4-H Barbecue.
Next, on Oct. 30, the 4-H throws its Halloween party for the community. Blondheim will be at the train depot taking orders throughout the parade, which begins at 5:30 p.m. 4-H coordinator Colby Burke will take over during the dance, which starts at 8 p.m.at the community center.
“Colby is doing amazing things with our local 4-H program,” says Blondheim. “Any 4-H member can help you with your wreath order.”
The third date for buying a wreath is Nov. 6. The time and place are still under discussion.
It’s also possible to buy a wreath online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NV0113P. The website links directly to Lovelock.
Finally, check out Facebook. Blondheim started the Wreaths Across America – Lovelock page. People can purchase wreaths with their phone camera using a QR code. Wreath purchases close at the end of November.
“This is our first year participating. Come on Lovelock, let’s make it count,” says Blondheim.
Questions? Contact High Desert Grange at highdesertgrange22@gmail.com or call 775-427-8210
