For the 2018 Christmas season, Wreaths Across Chattanooga was successful.
Thr local Wreaths Across America event set a record with the number of wreaths placed at almost 10,000. A record was also set for the number and amount of donations for wreaths at almost $100,000. This broke previous community efforts by 66 percent.
Additionally, when wreaths were placed on the gravestones on Dec. 15, 2018, the second largest crowd to participate in an event at Chattanooga National Cemetery was realized with the crowd estimated at 3,000 by cemetery officials.
Officials said, "To everyone who participated, no mater in what way, thank you for remembering, honoring and teaching about our veterans."
It is now time to retire the wreaths that were placed on Dec. 15, and community help is needed. On Saturday, Jan. 26, at 8:30 a.m. at the Chattanoogan National Cemetery, wreaths will be collected from the gravestones and placed in recycling bins. Anyone who desires to remove a wreath from a loved one’s gravestone, please remove prior to Saturday, Jan. 26.
The planning for 2019 is underway. To participate in 2019 Wreaths Across Chattanooga, please send donations to Wreaths Across Chattanooga, 180 Hamm Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37405 or if there are any questions, contact Captain Mickey McCamish at 423 756-2212.