The youth-run, youth-led program Florida Youth in Government will be participating in the financial and volunteering aspects of the national non-profit, Wreaths Across America. The Plant City chapter of the YIG has also decided to participate.
Wreaths Across America is working to lay wreaths on the graves of every United States military veteran in Arlington Cemetery, in addition to some local veteran cemeteries. The mission of the non-profit is to remember, honor and teach. Wreaths Across America began in 1992 in Arlington by the Worcester Wreath Company. Last year, volunteers laid over 700,000 memorial wreaths at 1,000 locations in the United Stats and beyond, including the site of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Florida Youth in Government will be selling sponsorships of wreaths to support the Wreaths Across America effort. Additionally, the sponsorships will help raise money for the organization’s annual State Assembly trip in Tallahassee.
Members of Florida Youth in Government will also be present at Bushnell Cemetery in December to assist in placing the wreaths on the graves of veterans. Wreaths can be purchased for $15 each, and checks should be made out to Wreaths Across America. Checks can be sent to Youth in Government, c/o Plant City YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place, Plant City, FL 33563.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.