Lion Jim Weldy, owner of Johnson –Danielson Funeral Home talked about his travels to Washington D.C. and Arlington National Cemetery in December. Lion Jim has been doing this for the last twelve years and currently there are seventy five in the group he travels with. Wreath’s across America reminds us to REMEMBER the fallen…HONOR those who serve…TEACH our children the value of freedom. These wreaths symbolize a commitment to Remember and Honor our nation’s veterans through the laying of wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each veteran aloud.
This past December 40,000 people came to place wreaths on the graves. There are 400,000 graves and it took three and one half hours. Prior to the laying of the wreaths, three black hawks fly over the Cemetery to be sure it is safe to begin placing the wreaths. Arlington National Cemetery consists of 624 acres. Thirty funerals are performed each day and four of these are with full military honors. However there are no services on Memorial Day and Christmas Day. Currently they have space to the year 2050. Presently they are working on tightening restrictions which should give them another 150 years. Every grave has room for two people. It could be a couple or a father and son.
As one of the largest national cemeteries in the United States, the goal of covering every veteran’s grave is lofty and requires a team of dedicated volunteers. All wreaths for the cemetery are donated.
Several donations are being considered by the Plymouth Lions Club. The Leader Dog program is looking for puppy sponsorships and Lions Club International is asking for donations to the Disaster Relief Fund.
Former Lions President, Doug Feece, received the Centennial Membership Award for increased membership during his presidency.
It was also noted that the Dictionary Project was very successful. To date 1,245,616 third grade students have received dictionaries. 3720 have come from the Plymouth Lions Club.
Our various fundraisers allow us to help others have a better life. If you or anyone you know would like to be a part of the Plymouth Lions Club please contact any Lions Club Member.
