This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Robert Rankin #62, Texas SAR is a Sponsorship Group. Our ID is SAR Robert Rankin Chapter (TX1085). We assist at both Woodlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery Houston (start time of 11am, arrival at 10am.) and Katy Magnolia Cemetery (10:30am), followed at the Katy Community Cemetery with the DAR (about 15 veterans) at 12:30pm and then with the American Legion Auxiliary at the “Soldiers Rest” a section of Lawndale Cemetery (about 45 veterans). Ceremony at 2:00pm.
We have chosen the option of buy 2 wreaths and have a third for free. The option we did not choose was to receive a $5 rebate on each wreath. (The option decision must be made in March of each year.)
There are various ways in which you can help:
- Purchase wreaths.
You may access the WAA-Rankin website at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/tx1085
The sponsorship of each wreath is $17. For every 2 that a person sponsors, a third is free. However, if you buy odd numbers there are no partial free wreaths. - You may assist in the placing of wreaths. A program precedes the placement of the wreaths. The program will have speakers from the organizing entities and will have wreaths placed for each of the branches of service: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Merchant Marine, Coast Guard, and Space Force. At the conclusion of the program volunteers will form a line and will be escorted to grave sites for the placement of a wreath. If you have a uniform or colonial attire you are encouraged to wear the same. Lacking period attire you are encouraged to wear attire with the SAR logo.
It is possible to customize your wreath purchase to be in honor or in memory of someone. You can also purchase a wreath at a different cemetery. - Record keeping.
Robert Rankin files an annual report of activities each year. Points are awarded for wreaths placed, dollars spent, attendance and extra points if in period attire. Jerry Martin is in charge of the annual report. At the conclusion of the WAA please report your activity to Jerry Martin.
If you are a member of the Rankin Color Guard, this counts as a National event meaning additional points are awarded. Each Color Guard member tracks their points.