Members of the Muskogee Nighthawks Civil Air Patrol Squadron are inviting Muskogee residents to help honor the nation’s veterans. On Saturday, Nov. 14, the squadron will be stationed at the Chandler Road Homeland from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., where volunteers will accept donations and sponsor live balsam wreaths for the upcoming Wreaths Across America observance.
Ensuring No Veteran Is Left Without a Wreath
The squadron’s goal is to place a wreath at the headstone of each of the 28,000 veterans interred at Fort Gibson National Cemetery. As Oklahoma’s oldest Civil Air Patrol squadron, the Nighthawks have partnered with Wreaths Across America for two decades, working alongside the cemetery to keep the tradition alive.
How the Community Can Contribute
Each wreath sponsorship costs $17. “Every $17 sponsorship made is a meaningful gift from a grateful American who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. Worcester added that the organization is grateful for the generosity of Muskogee’s citizens, who help the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.
Donors can make a contribution on site, or they can click the link provided by the squadron to sponsor a wreath online. All contributions go directly to Wreaths Across America, which will supply the live balsam wreaths and coordinate placement at the cemetery.
National Impact of the Program
Last year, volunteers at 5,598 locations across the United States placed more than 3.1 million sponsored wreaths on veterans’ graves. The annual National Wreaths Across America Day is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19, when wreaths will be placed at participating cemeteries nationwide.
The Muskogee effort reflects a broader commitment to honoring those who defended our freedoms. By supporting the wreath sponsorship program, Muskogee residents join a nationwide movement that teaches future generations the value of liberty and sacrifice.
Get Involved
In addition to sponsoring wreaths, the squadron welcomes volunteers who can help with collection, sorting, and distribution of donations. Those interested in volunteering or learning more about the program can contact the Muskogee Nighthawks Civil Air Patrol directly.
With the community’s help, the squadron aims to ensure that no veteran at Fort Gibson National Cemetery is left without a wreath, reinforcing Muskogee’s tradition of respect for those who served.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
