On Aug. 30, Tampa Elks Lodge #708 donated $500 to the American Legion Post 5 Cemetery Corporation to sponsor wreaths for the Wreaths Across America program, one of the largest simultaneous events in the country. On Dec. 17 at every veterans cemetery in the United States, from well-known ones like Arlington National Cemetery to this small one with 730 graves in Tampa, Florida, a brief ceremony will be held and volunteers will place wreaths on each grave while saying the name of the deceased veteran aloud. Their mission is to spread the important message of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms. The funds to provide the wreaths were part of the lodge’s charity fund budget for the year.
Pictured are Debbie Brennan, Lodge Veterans Committee Chair; Bonnie O'Brien, Legion administrative assistant; Laura Jones, Lodge Treasurer; Barbara Fuerst, American Legion Cemetery Corp. Treasurer; and Alyse Duffy, American Legion Cemetery Corp. President, standing in the cemetery.