As part of its holiday tradition of partnering with Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization that recognizes the courage and sacrifices of U.S. military veterans, Civil Air Patrol is calling on its partners and its parent organization, the Air Force, to help with this year’s Section 60 Project at Arlington National Cemetery.
Section 60 is the final resting place for about 9,000 men and women, many of whom were killed in Afghanistan and Iraq. “It has been called the ‘Saddest Acre in America’ because the grief is so fresh for the family and friends they’ve left behind,” said CAP National Commander Maj. Gen. Amy S. Courter. “Tragically, it is also the fastest growing section in Arlington.”
This is the first year the entire Section 60 has been open to Wreaths Across America and CAP, whose annual goal is to lay a wreath at the foot of every U.S. veterans’ gravestone as well as at memorials nationwide and abroad.
In December, more than 200,000 wreaths will be placed at Arlington National Cemetery and at other veterans’ gravesites in each of the nation’s 50 states and at dozens of other U.S. cemeteries and memorials on foreign soil. In all, 535 wreath-laying observances are planned, with CAP leading or assisting with many of them, including the national ceremony on Dec. 11 at Arlington.
“This is our opportunity to honor all veterans who have found a final resting place there,” said Courter. “Please help us commemorate and remember their sacrifice, their patriotism and their dedication to the defense of our nation.”
To sponsor a $15 wreath for Section 60, go to the CAP page on the Wreaths Across America website. Here’s the information needed for the order form:
State: Section 60 of Arlington
- Location: Section 60 of Arlington
- Group State: Alabama
- Group ID: ALCAPNHQ000
The last day to sponsor a wreath is Monday, Nov. 29, so it is important to act now, CAP officials said.
“Let’s do our part to make sure there is a wreath for every fallen hero in Section 60,” said Courter. “I also encourage each CAP volunteer and partner as well as Air Force active duty personnel, reservists and retirees throughout the nation to support this worthwhile cause and to forward this sponsorship information to fellow members, friends and family and ask them to sponsor a wreath.”
For more information: GoCivilAirPatrol.com
