Wreaths Across America Gala Raises Funds To Honor Veterans
You can help honor Wyoming's veterans at the Wreaths Across America 2018 Gala, coming up Saturday October 13th in Casper. The goal is to help fund the effort to lay thousands of Christmas wreaths on the graves of Natrona County veterans. The Gala will feature a prime rib dinner, live and silent auctions, and featured speaker veteran Sam "Rollie" Dunnuck, who will share his powerful story about enlisting with his Laramie friends, and what happened to them.
Part of a national effort, the local Wreaths Across America event started in 2016 when the Civil air Patrol and Patriot Guard Riders placed some 187 wreaths at the Oregon Trail Veteran Cemetery in Evansville. The Natrona County Republican Women asked if they could help, and last year helped lay more than 3000 wreaths at the Veterans Cemetery, along with other area cemeteries. Some 800 volunteers showed up to help with the effort.
"I believe it's important and the Natrona County Republican Women believe it's important because this country is so divided politically," said organizer Kathy Thomas, "and the one thing we can come together on, we can all agree to honor our veterans. You know, for the one percent who raise their hands for the 99 percent of us who they protect and service, I think it's just the least we can do for them."
This year, the goal is 4,000 wreaths including those at the Veteran's Cemetery, the 650 veterans buried in a designated area at Highland Park, and more for family members to take to their veterans buried elsewhere. The NCPW, Patriot Guard Riders, Civil Air Patrol, and Daughters of the American Revolution are all part of the fundraising events.
The gala event is a way to make sure that Wyoming's veterans are not forgotten. "They say a person dies twice, once when you pass away and the last time your name is mentioned," says Thomas, "and so when we lay those wreaths we say that veteran's name, and it's probably one of the most meaningful things I've ever done in my life."
In 2017, Wreaths Across America and the national network of volunteers laid more than 1,400,000 memorial wreaths at nearly 1,400 locations in the United States and beyond. This year's wreath laying event will take place on December 15th in Natrona County.
Wreaths Across American 2018 Gala In Casper
- Saturday October 13th, 5:30pm at Sonny's RV
- Hosted by the Natrona County Republican Women
- Prime rib dinner from Arrowhead catering, live and silent auctions
- Tickets are $50.00, or $400.00 for a table of eight.
For more information, tickets, or if you would like to donate you can contact the Natrona County Republican Women at ncrwmember@gmail.com or
NCRW– Kim Walker, President (307)258-5936
Kathy Thomas-Chairman (703) 362-0264
Marcie Buchholz-Treasurer (307) 315-3960
Ronna Boril - (307) 259-3131.