Two nonprofits with a common mission of supporting veterans and their families have now formed a partnership to help those they serve.
Wreaths Across America and Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding April 15 in an effort to build a stronger awareness for each group’s common missions, while supporting educational events throughout the country that will help teach lessons of character and patriotism to the next generation.
“Since WAA was founded, Gold Star Wives have been involved in the mission and its members play an important part in the sharing of the stories of character and service we hope to teach to the country,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of WAA.
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Founded in 2007, and headquartered in Columbia Falls, Maine, WAA is best known for its annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and now more than 2,500 additional locations nationwide. Its year-long mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
GSW is a Congressionally chartered nonprofit established in 1945. Its mission is to preserve and enhance benefits to surviving United States military spouses and children; to help its members and their children face the future with courage and determination and to honor the memory of their military spouses who made the ultimate sacrifice.
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The signed MOU between the two groups outlines nine key agreements, including the establishment of a steering committee with a representative from each organization, and collaborative volunteer efforts to provide opportunities for joint event and community service activities that bring awareness to both groups’ missions.
“Our membership is made up of the men and women left behind,” said current GSW National President Nancy Menagh. While our loved one made the supreme sacrifice, we are the ones left to live that sacrifice every day.”
This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will take place on Dec. 18, at over 2,500 participating locations across the country.
“The experience of placing a wreath at the final resting place of one of our nation’s veterans and understanding the healing that this simple gesture has formany families and the opportunity it provides to share the stories of these heroes, makes this an important partnership,” said Managh
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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