SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP, OH (WLIO) - Wreaths Across America honored veterans' sacrifices today at the Shawnee United Methodist Church.
The Wreaths Across America organization is most recognized for placing over 2.7 million veteran wreaths at over 3,000 locations nationally and abroad. Today, as part of their year-long mission to recognize our nation's veterans, they rolled out their mobile education exhibit for the local veterans and the community to come experience and learn about their mission.
The exhibit had a special focus on Vietnam veterans and how they did not get the proper welcome home when they returned from war, and how we can honor those men and women and show them the proper thank you today. The pillars of Wreaths Across America are to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
"The veterans organizations here are very very supportive and we have almost 600 veterans that are laid to rest in the Shawnee Cemetery. And we have sponsors for all of those wreaths that will be laid there. It shows what is Wreaths Across America, how it started. There's a theater in the back, and it tells you the backstory. We have a pinning for the Vietnam veterans there. And on the outside, there are different movies that are available for you to watch to tell you a little bit more about the organization and the mission. To remember, honor, and teach," said Lesa Wende, sexton of Shawnee Cemetery and Wreaths Across America location coordinator.
This was the first year the mobile education exhibit made a stop in Lima. The next event for Wreaths Across America in Lima will be the wreath-laying ceremony on December 14th at the Shawnee Cemetery.
