Wreaths honor Veterans in December

In the next few months the holidays will start. During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, one might forget the sacrifices that were made by veterans, some even with their lives. One event that honors those veterans is the “Wreaths Across America,” and it lives up to its name. On December 19, wreaths will be laid on veteran’s graves across the nation including Arlington National Cemetery and 1200 other cemeteries.

One local group, the Civil Air Patrol’s Pegasus Squadron at Camp Mabry will be one of the wreath layers at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Pflugerville. It is a fundraiser for the group as it is a non-profit, 501 3(c) organization.

The Civil Air Patrol is one way for youth to discover the love of flying and helping the area. Learning about aeronautics and getting the opportunity to ride in military helicopters and planes is just one of the opportunities.

"Supporting America's communities with emergency response, diverse aviation and ground services, youth development, and promotion of air, space and cyber power," according to CAP’s mission statement.

“The entire Squadron will participate in this ceremony and the laying of the wreaths. After the initial welcoming ceremony, Squadron members will take a wreath, place it on the stand at the marker, say the Veteran’s name, salute, and then allow for a brief moment of silence. Every veteran’s marker will be done the same way,” said Maj Dennis A. Eibe, CAP, MSC, Deputy Commander for Senior Members and Health Professions & Recruiting Officer.

CAPS is open to members that must be at least 12 years old and not yet 19 years old. Cadets joining a unit in their school may join under the age of 12 as long as they are in the sixth grade. Besides flying, there are other benefits such as scholarships.

As for the wreaths, “for every $15.00 wreath that we sell, we receive $5.00, smaller donations will be accepted and consolidated to sponsor other wreaths,” Eibe said. All precautions concerning the pandemic will be taken, at the time of the ceremonies.

Both the veterans of the American Legion and the VFW are asked to consider donating to this event, especially during the holidays to remember and honor fallen comrades. Please use the WAA Pegasus Squadron online link, as this takes you directly to the Pegasus Squadron Wreath Sponsorship page. Then click on Sponsor Wreaths, where you can order and use your credit/debit card. Pegasus Squadron will get the credit for the sale.

wreathsacrossamerica.org/tx0771p

To send donations by mail: (must be received by Monday, November 16)

Wreaths Across America

P.O. Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623

Please ensure that all checks/money orders include the

Fundraising Group ID: TX0771P and Location ID: TXILCC'

For more information on the Civil Air Patrol or the Pegasus Squadron contact

Maj Dennis A. Eibe

Email: dennis.eibe@txwg. cap.gov

Pegasus Composite Squadron SWR TX-351

Pegasus.cap.gov