HOTH Mission
Wreaths Across America
Saratoga National Cemetery
All military branches
Schuylerville, NY - 12/16/2023
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 4, Region 5
About the Mission:
Patriot Guard Riders: We have been requested to oversee and participate in the annual Wreaths Across America wreath laying in Sections 7 & 8 at Saratoga National Cemetery.
Our first participation was in 2009, where there were maybe 250 wreaths donated. Every year since then, this event has gotten bigger and more wreaths have been ordered and received. A few years ago PGR established our own sponsorship codes for purchasing wreaths and every year the count got bigger and bigger. In 2016, PGR ramped up various “social” networking programs out to the communities and the result was an overwhelming success – 7,500+ wreaths were purchased and placed.
With an understanding that the number of wreaths required increases by about 1000 every year, this year with a continued and extended "full court press" public relations effort, the total number of wreaths purchased for Saratoga National Cemetery has exceeded 16,000!! For the sixth time in the last 6 years there will be a wreath placed on every grave of a veteran at Saratoga National Cemetery. PGR sponsorship code alone was responsible for some 31% of this total.
OUTSTANDING !!
At this point volunteers may be permitted to park along the right side of the roads near their section, however, SNC staff is encouraging our volunteers to please consider parking at the committal shelters - #1 and #2. Other areas in the cemetery will be made available for parking. Please plan on leaving your home early as this is a popular event and the traffic jams may prevent you from getting to the cemetery on time. All wreaths will begin to be placed precisely at 11:00 am throughout the entire cemetery.
Long range forecast indicates no snow accumulation with temps in the 40s - dress accordingly.
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
12/16/2023 at 10:15 am
Staging Location:
Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Rd
Schuylerville, NY
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Bill Schaaf
518-542-0608
Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:
Updated 8 March 2022
Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19, and CDC Guidelines of 3 March 2022, going forward, the Lead Ride Captain for any mission will be responsible for determining whether PGR members will have to mask up or not. Please ensure that you have a mask with you, should the need arise, and respect the LRC’s decision in these matters.
Special Information:
PGR members are requested to go to Sections 7 & 8 to help the section leaders in controlling the activity around the wreath boxes, provide supervision of the other volunteers prior to 11:00 am start, as well as participate in the placement of the wreaths. Check in with the section leaders when you arrive - Bill Schaaf in Section 7 and Ray Sestak in Section 8.
Patriot Guard Riders will also be conducting our annual Special Wreath laying to honor our fallen heroes immediately following completion of our sections; after which, you will be free to leave.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
No
Submitted by:
Bill Schaaf
BM - 12/07; MER
