Run for Fun While Supporting A Local Cause

Locally, Wreaths Across America organizers hope to ‘Remember’ and ‘Honor’ more than 1,300 deceased veterans in Weakley and Obion Counties.

NORTHWEST TENNESSEE (June 30) – Organizers for the local Wreaths Across America program have put together an event in support of three cemeteries in Weakley and Obion counties – Sunset Cemetery in Dresden, Eastside Cemetery in Martin and Beulah Cemetery in Union City. This event allows local runners to help sponsor wreaths at deceased veterans’ graves in December on National Wreaths Across America Day. The wreaths are evergreen adorned with a red bow and stay in place throughout the Christmas holiday.

Each December, a group of volunteers coordinate a wreath-laying ceremony while incorporating education about national symbols of freedom and remembering those who served on a local level. Family members and friends are allowed to help place the wreaths on the graves that day. Wreaths Across America events are planned in cities throughout the nation, with Arlington Cemetery spotlighted nationally. Wreaths Across America is set for December 17, 2022.

Last year in Weakley and Obion counties, there were 750 wreaths sponsored, but that didn’t allow for one on the grave of every veteran. This year’s goal among the three cemeteries is 1,300 wreaths.

To help reach that goal, Wreaths Across America are inviting community to members to participate in the “Find a Way to Serve: 1-Mile Fun Run/5K Run/Walk.”

Every race entry purchases one wreath to place on a veteran’s grave. The Fun Run/5K Run is set for Saturday, August 6, starting at Central Christian Academy, located at 801 Harrison Rd., Martin. Entry fees are $25 each and include a T-shirt and Certificate of Appreciation. The first 50 entrants will also receive a WAA Challenge Coin. Awards for first and second place will be presented in various categories and age ranges.

The run course is that of Central Christian Academy’s Cross Country Course and is 100-percent paved with starts and finishes near CCA. Early registration is encouraged for the event as same-day registration may delay a participant’s receipt of a T-shirt.

Registration forms are available at the following locations:

Dresden – Dresden Physical Therapy, LLC.; Martin – The Sideline, Crank’d Up Garage and Central Christian Academy and Union City – Obion Country Public Library (front desk).

Registration forms are also available by email to tnecmt@outlook.com and grmysue76@gmail.com.

The 5K event begins at 7:45 a.m. that day, with the 1-Mile Fun Run beginning at 8 a.m.

Businesses wanting to sponsor participants or assist in providing awards, water, supervision, etc. should contact Lin Smith at 601-434-9597 or Lee Smith at 601-850-1233.

The mission of Wreaths Across America is to “Remember Our Fallen U.S. Veterans; Honor Those Who Serve; and Teach Your Children the Value of Freedom.” To learn more about local efforts or to sponsor a wreath in any of the above-mentioned cemeteries, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/TNECMT.