Defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. donated nearly a quarter of a million dollars to help the Wreaths Across America program place memorials on graves at Beverly National Cemetery and other cemeteries across the country.
Wreaths Across America (WAA), a nonprofit program honoring fallen military personnel during the holiday season, announced that Lockheed Martin has donated $240,000 to purchase 16,000 grave wreaths.
Lockheed is based in Bestest, Maryland, but has major aerospace operations in Moorestown, where it focuses on the design and manufacture of radar and sensor systems and missile defense technologies, including the Aegis combat weapon system for both naval ships and land-based installations. .
“Lockheed Martin is proud to support Wreaths Across America and its mission to ‘Remember, Honor and Teach,'” said Tiffany King, manager of social impact at Lockheed Martin.
“Approximately one in five Lockheed Martin employees have served in uniform, and as a military spouse, I know this partnership personally for many of our colleagues. We are grateful for this solemn opportunity to honor all those who have served.”
King said more than 1,000 Lockheed Martin employees plan to participate in placing wreaths at 32 cemeteries across the country to mark National Wreath Day across America on Dec. 17.
Many sites include Beverly National Cemetery in Burlington County, New Jersey; Valley Forge National Historical Park near Philadelphia, PNCC St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Meanwhile, the Wreaths Across America motorcade recently stopped at the New Jersey Vietnam War Memorial and Museum in Holmdel for a wreath-laying ceremony as part of its annual pilgrimage from Maine to its final stop at Arlington National Cemetery on Dec. 17.
The mission of the wreath organization is not only to remember and honor the fallen, but also to teach younger generations about their sacrifices and the value of freedom.
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“Through the simple laying of these wreaths, we teach the history of our country and what it means to serve. Lockheed Martin understands the impact this is having on the next generation, and we are very grateful for their support,” said WAA Chief Executive Karen Wooster. director.
It is not too late for the public to make a general donation for a wreath or in memory of a loved one. To donate now or even after December 17, visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/
Carol Comegno enjoys telling stories about South Jersey life, history and military veterans for the Courier Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. If you have a story to share, please call her at 609-533-0306 or email ccomegno@gannettnj.com.
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