Wreaths for fallen veterans available for graves

SAGUACHE —Saguache County Treasurer Connie Trujillo announced last week that she has once again received grant money through the Saguache County Sales Tax Grants for Wreath’s Across America.
This grant lays wreaths on all of the fallen veteran’s graves, not only at Homelake Cemetery in Monte Vista, but also in Saguache County cemeteries.
Those with a family member or a friend that is a fallen veteran buried in Saguache County — whether in Hillside, Chicago, Rito Alto, Crestone or La Garita — and who would like a wreath placed on their gravesite can contact Trujillo at [email protected]. Or call Saguache County Treasurer’s Office at 719-655-2656 before Nov. 20 at 4 p.m.
“I have already reached out to the local caretakers of Chicago, Rito Alto, and Hillside Cemeteries for names as well,” she said in an email last week. “Those purchasing wreaths are also welcome to pick up your loved one’s wreath and place it yourself.”
Wreaths Across America donations may be sent directly to Pam Self, Director, P.O. Box 97 Homelake, Colorado 81135. Wreaths are $15 each.
The laying of wreaths and corresponding ceremony at Homelake will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. Wreaths will be laid that afternoon in local cemeteries.
Background
Wreaths Across America™, a nonprofit 501-c3 organization, was formed as an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project.  The Arlington Wreath program was started by Morrill Worcester (Worcester Wreath) in 1992 with the donation and laying of 5000 Christmas wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery.  This became an annual journey for Mr. Worcester. 
It was relatively obscure until 2005 when a photo of the stones adorned with wreaths and covered in snow circulated around the internet.  The project received National attention.  Thousands of requests poured in from all over the country from people wanting to emulate the Arlington project at their National and State cemeteries spurred the creation of “Wreaths Across America™.” 
Unable to donate thousands of wreaths to each state, Mr. Worcester conceived the idea of sending seven wreaths (one for each branch of the military as well as POW/MIA). 
In 2007 the Worcester family established the nonprofit group Wreaths Across America™ to further promote Veterans remembrance.  The mission Remember, Honor and Teach characterized the project’s goals perfectly.