Wreaths Across America - 2017

Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery

Wreaths Across America

Major General Thomas H Ruger Camp #1 had sponsors for 27 wreaths donated this year. All were delivered to the estimated 1,000 people in attendance at the annual Wreaths Across America event honoring American veterans on Saturday afternoon at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake.

“Remember. Honor. Teach” is the mission of Wreaths Across America.  Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2007 by Morrill Worcester. Since its first humble beginnings, this year 1.2 million wreaths were placed on markers across the country in 1,238 locations.

The Sandhills event started with the posting of the colors by the Terry Sanford High School JROTC, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by attending children and their parents. The ceremony included the singing of the National Anthem. Guest speakers were present to speak, participate and hear the playing of taps by a member of Rolling Thunder. A little more than 2,000 wreaths were placed on graves throughout the cemetery.

This was the first year for Major General Thomas H Ruger Camp #1 participation. Following our humble start with 27 wreaths, sponsored through the Camp’s program, we plan to continue to support this worthy cause again in 2018.

Wilmington National Cemetery

Brother Jim Johnson SVC, Major General Thomas H Ruger Camp #1, Department of NC, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, with his wife Carol Jutte, Daughter of Union Veteran of the Civil War, Tent #91, Department of Ohio, both participated in the distribution and laying of holiday wreaths at The National Cemetery in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Carol is not only a DUVCW but also an active member of the DAR, Colonial Dames XVIIC and Daughter of 1812, all of

which help to organize Wreaths Across America at Wilmington’s National Cemetery. Brother Jim organized the Major General Thomas H Ruger Camp #1, Wreaths Across America project this year. Sponsors donated 27 wreaths to be place on the grave sites at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake, NC, just outside of the Fort Bragg Army Base near Fayetteville, NC. A humble start with great potential.

Fort Fisher January 14, 2017

Fort Fisher was a Confederate fort during the American Civil War. It protected the vital trading routes of the port at Wilmington, North Carolina, from 1861 until its capture by the Union in 1865.

January 14, 2017

Major General Thomas H. Ruger Camp #1, participating at the 152nd Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher.

Brothers: Max Speers - PCC, Dennis St. Andrew - PCC, PDC, Jim Crabtree, Ed Gibson - CC, Harvey Hutchison, John France - and Jim Johnson.

Assisted by: Heidi Crabtree, Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and Carol Jutte, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War & Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Brothers of Ruger Camp #1 wishes to extend a special thank you to the ladies of the Auxiliary to Sons of Union Veterans and  Daughters of Union Veterans for their support .