Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring and thanking our veterans for their service and sacrifice. The Wreaths Across America mission is to “Remember, Honor, and Teach”. The annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery started in 1992 is now performed around the country at over 1100 cemeteries.
Wreaths are placed on the graves of our Fallen Heroes by Patriots who know the sacrifice paid by these brave warriors and wish to recognize their service.
At precisely the same time across the country the ceremony begins every year, the Patriot Guard Riders are privileged to be invited to be part of this event.
The Wreaths Across America Committee for Miramar has requested and enlisted PGR support for two key roles at this national event to honor and remember our Veterans.
PGR are (1) to assist in directing vehicles and pedestrians, and (2) to be a visible presence as guardians at the eight wreath depots in the cemetery.
A memorial service shall commence at 0900 and is to conclude at 0950. All wreath distributions from the eight depots occurs after the memorial service closes.
Following the memorial service private placements are to occur. This means PGR (and others who directly assist PGR at the depots) are to permit families and individuals to obtain their wreaths for their private moments at the location of a family member ahead of general distribution and placement by volunteers. Further guidance shall be provided.
Soon thereafter, general distribution and placement by all volunteers is to be permitted.
Upon reading this invitation, if you believe you shall participate, we ask that you kindly send a note to both Ollie and Ted (see email addresses below). Thanks.
NOTE: PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ATTEND ANY PORTION OF THIS MISSION THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND.
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Time Table for Saturday 14 DEC 19:0600 - 0635 – PGR arrival and parking -- Bikers head to the cul-de-sac just beyond Shelter B; cagers head towards Shelter B, but park in the unpaved area on the left just beyond the columbarium. Those with disabled plates/placards may park in the lanes adjacent to the back of the administration building (space available). The left and right lanes are for parking, the center lane is for passage only.
0640 – Stage at the end of the center flagpole mall -- Avenue of the Flags and the intersection of the roadway leading to Shelter B This URL defines, within Miramar, our “staging area for the briefing”:
https://goo.gl/maps/apCnB3HdmHc8gWHo6 0645 - Event Briefing: Pledge of Allegiance, moment of reflection, wreath depot 8 assignments & parking/traffic assignments. Map of Miramar and wreath depots shall be distributed. Depot coordinators/guardians relocate to eight depots and traffic assignments.
0700 – Public is allowed entry to Miramar. Depot coordinators/guardians on station at eight depots and at traffic assignments
0900 – Memorial services commence in the Flag Assembly Area Amphitheater (located at the very tall flag pole), easterly terminus of Avenue of the Flags. [Of note, there shall be 1,000 chairs for those attending the memorial services.]
0950 – Memorial services conclude. Boy Scouts (Order of the Arrow) lead families from memorial service area to begin their private placements.
0955 – Private placements of wreaths commences in all sections
1005 – (est.) General distribution of wreaths by all volunteers
1200 – (est.) Wreath distribution event concludes
1205 – Atta boys for all volunteers = Bravo Zulu
PGR event leaders:
Oliver Wardenaar - owardenaar@gmail.com - 858-735-4910 cell phone
Ted Tomaszewicz - TedNavyPGR@gmail.com - 201-970-5546 cell phone
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While this invitation is for Miramar only, other cemeteries in San Diego could use assistance for their participation in this national Wreaths Across America event. One may contact other cemeteries, if more convenient. These include: Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, Greenwood and Glen Abbey Memorial Parks, Valley Center, Oak Hill, and Fallbrook Masonic Cemeteries
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Other notes / dates:
Saturday, December 14th - Wreath depot coordinators/guardians shall be provided with written guidance for wreath distribution. Those who have acquired wreaths for private placements shall be permitted to obtain and distribute their wreaths before general distribution.
Friday, December 13th - Volunteer truck drivers bring wreaths to Miramar and Fort Rosecrans. If you and friends wish to assist in unloading the truck, here are planned arrival times:
• Load 4027: PRIME: Miramar Appointment: between 10am and 12pm)
• Load 4209: PRIME: Miramar Appointment: between 10am and 12pm)
Saturday, January 4th – 0800 - Volunteers are needed at Miramar to collect the wreaths for disposal. While cemeteries in other parts of the country allow wreaths to remain in place until mid or end of January, the weather in San Diego turns the wreaths brown and thus the wreaths need to be removed much sooner.
