The holidays are a time for families to come together, but for many, it’s also a time for remembering fallen veterans. To honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial committee of Rochester, MN, has been tasked with distributing holiday wreaths to local cemeteries, veterans’ graves, and families of fallen veterans as a part of Wreaths Across America.
Over 500 wreaths, purchased from Tim Ahern of Evergreen Industries, were donated to the Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial by Treasure Island Resort & Casino and the Prairie Island Indian Community. Committee members Mike Pruett, MLT Group CEO, and Terry Throndson of Throndson Oil traveled to Red Wing, MN, to pick up the wreaths and transport them back to Rochester.
Pruett and Throndson had to make two trips from Rochester to Red Wing in order to transport all 500 individually packaged wreaths.
Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial has participated in Wreaths Across America in the past, purchasing the wreaths themselves. Having the wreaths donated this year was a welcomed sign of support from Treasure Island and Prairie Island Indian Communities.
“As a committee, we feel that this is a way that we can honor the veterans that have fallen and that they are not forgotten. We would like to thank Treasure Island for their continued support of our veterans,” stated Pruett and Throndson.
Pruett and Throndson also support Tee It Up for the Troops and Bells for Eternity, respectively. The men believe that showing support for area veterans contributes to strong community.
For many, the wreaths are a sign that their loved ones and their sacrifices are not forgotten.
Wreaths can be found at the entrances of Oakwood, Calvary, and Oakwood East cemeteries in Rochester, MN. They will also be distributed to veterans’ families through the VFW and American Legion of Rochester and Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch in Stewartville.