CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Veteran Sacrifice was recalled during a visit by the Wreaths Across America exhibition to Carmichael Elks last week. Maine-based, WAA sponsors a 50-foot trailer museum that recently toured Alabama, Texas, Arizona and a dozen California venues. More than 100 people inspected the exhibit during its one-day Carmichael stopover. 

Volunteers from the Daughters of the American Revolution organization co-sponsored and hosted the California tour. Exhibit venues have included San Diego, Bakersfield, Grass Valley, Carmichael, Willows and Concord.

The mobile theater screens presentations about the organization’s 29-year campaign to provide wreaths for veteran graves. Starting at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992, ceremonies have expanded to more than 2100 US and overseas locations. Through public subscription, millions of tributes are placed on graves every year. The nonprofit also encourages patriotism through education and by honoring those who sacrificed in times of war or crisis.

A spotlight was shone on Vietnam War service during recent stopovers. Many veterans who visited the exhibit in Carmichael were “pinned’ with bronze lapel badges. Federally sponsored, this award program serves partly to mitigate harsh treatment suffered by returning warriors in the 1970s. It honors Vietnam service -- and families bereaved by the conflict -- on behalf of a grateful nation. WAA among agencies distributing the badges as “a lasting memento of the nation’s thanks.”

To learn about WAA or to sponsor a wreath, go to www.wreathsacrossAmerica.org

Living veterans of active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces from 1955 to 1975 -- regardless of location -- are eligible to receive commemorative Vietnam pins. To learn about this program, visit www.vietnamwar50th.com or contact Daughters of the American Revolution at [email protected]