Holiday Wreaths to be Laid at the Memorial site for Flight 93 to Honor Veterans as Part of "Walmart Gives Back" Holiday Giving CampaignWalmart Helps Wreaths Across America Lay 16,000 Wreaths at National Cemeteries Across the United States Memorial site for Flight 93 (Shanksville, Pa.), Dec. 12, 2009 – Wreaths Across America and Walmart will recognize the sacrifices of 9/11 victims and our nation’s veterans with a wreath laying ceremony at Memorial site for Flight 93 today. During the ceremony, volunteers at Memorial site for Flight 93 will lay wreaths in remembrance of those who have lost their lives. December 12 is National Wreath-Laying Day. The ceremony at the Memorial site for Flight 93 is part of “Walmart Gives Back,” a $1.1 million holiday giving initiative by Walmart to honor fallen heroes and provide support for military families. This effort includes a $150,000 donation that will help Wreaths Across America purchase, transport and lay 16,000 wreaths at five national cemeteries and memorial sites across the United States, including Memorial site for Flight 93, as well as Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon and Fayetteville National Cemetery, Battery Park - “A Mile of Memories” in New York City. “Our mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “This is the second year that Walmart has generously donated wreaths, trucks, and resources – and we are proud to work with Walmart to show our gratitude to those who served and sacrificed.” “Walmart has a history of supporting our troops. This holiday season, we recognize the sacrifices of our deployed servicemen and women – and their families back at home,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. “We know that many military families have a tough time during the holidays. They miss their loved ones who are away, and we hope that our efforts will make their holiday easier and better.” To further support military families in need this holiday season and part of the “Walmart Gives Back” initiative, Walmart will provide toys and books for 10,000 military children in markets that top the Pentagon’s list of cities with the highest troop deployment. Walmart gift cards will also be given to more than 1,500 military families in 30 cities and 1,000 gift packages will be given to the caregivers of wounded military. For more information on Walmart Gives Back, visit www.walmartgiving.com. About Philanthropy at Walmart About Wreaths Across America ### |
