SEQUIM — The wreaths are on the move — and Sequim is getting a visit.
For the first time, the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Tour exhibit — a unique museum on wheels seeking to honor veterans — is coming to the community to view in Sequim on Aug. 1.
The mobile exhibit will be at the Sequim Village Shopping Center, 651 W. Washington St., starting at 10 a.m. It will be open to the public through 3 p.m.
“The goal of the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit is to bring community together and teach patriotism while remembering the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of the National Wreaths Across America in Maine.
The exhibit, organization representatives note, serves as a mobile museum, educating visitors about the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes as well as to serve as an official “welcome home” station for Vietnam War veterans.
Families, child and youth groups are especially encouraged to visit the museum, organizers said.
Master of Ceremonies Levi Douglas, coordinator for the northwest Veterans Resources Center, will open the event with recognition of dignitaries.
He will be followed by a welcoming by Holly Rowan, Clallam County Veterans Association president, and posting of colors, the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance (led by Junior American Citizens members), and an invocation by Melody Albertson, chapter chaplain with the Michael Trebert Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
A representative from Wreaths Across America will offer comments and Douglas closes the ceremony. Post 29 Legion Riders will be on hand with a flag line as well.
The Wreaths Across America (WAA) Mobile Education Exhibit is a national tour that starts at the WAA headquarters in Maine. Other stops across the state include Mount Vernon (July 29), Seattle (July 30), Ephrata (Aug. 5) and Kennewick (Aug. 6).
The Michael Trebert Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution serves as the Clallam County coordinator for Wreaths Across America at 10 cemeteries, from Gardiner and Forks.
Individuals and groups can sponsor a veteran’s wreath any time for $15 at wreathsacrossamerica.org/WA0153. Each sponsorship goes toward a live, balsam wreath that will be placed on the headstone at one of the 10 local cemeteries on Dec. 17, as part of National Wreaths across America Day.
Michael Dashiell / Olympic Peninsula News Group
Jennifer Groves of Port Angeles helps sons Blake, 5 (standing), and Bryce, 2, place a wreath on a veteran’s grave marker as Groves’ stepfather Bobby Yaun looks on in December 2020. Groves said she attended the event “to teach my men to show honor.”
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