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Arkansas cemeteries receive fewer donations for Wreaths Across America, need volunteers

Arkansas Run for the Fallen didn't get as many donations as they did last year for the wreaths, but they're hoping to still bring in lots of volunteers.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - On Dec. 15, thousands of wreaths will be placed on headstones at the Little Rock National Cemetery. But, organizers need more hands to help lay them.

The group Arkansas Run for the Fallen has participated in Wreaths Across America for the last two years. They didn’t get as many donations as they did last year for the wreaths, but they’re hoping to still bring in lots of volunteers.

Bubba Beason, the location coordinator for the cemetery, said last year donations funded 10,000 wreaths.

“If it’s the one thing you do this Christmas come out and say, ‘Thank you’ because saying thank you is free,” Beason said.

Beason isn’t sure how many volunteers will show up, but he’s asking the community to join the initiative.

“Wreaths Across America has delivered almost 1.6 million wreaths, and here in Little Rock National we plan to put out 8,000 on Saturday morning,” Beason said.

Volunteers are asked to arrive at the cemetery around 8 a.m. and park in the lot at the end of East 26th Street. Organizers will then brief the volunteers on what to do. Beason said these aren’t just any wreaths, they hold a special connection to the fallen.

“In Maine, the families of the fallen actually put a dog tag on the trees and every three years they trim the trees and they make the wreaths,” Beason said.

A veteran himself, Beason says remembering those who have served is important.

“They say you die twice, once when you stop breathing and once when your name is not being said again,” Beason said.

Many people who were laid to rest a the cemetery no longer have living family members.

“Saturday morning might be the only time this year that somebody says their name,” Beason said.

It’s a chance for the community to remember those who are away during the holidays while serving, and those have given the ultimate sacrifice.

“It’s important to me as a veteran as well that I would hope that someone says my name after I’m long gone,” Beason said.

For the first time in Arkansas, law enforcement and Patriot Guard Riders will escort trucks carrying the wreaths to the cemetery. The ceremony will start at 11 a.m.

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