HOTH Mission
Wreaths Across America
Saratoga National Cemetery
All Military Branches
Schuylerville, NY - 12/14/2024
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 “socia” 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 1,000 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 seventh time in the last 7 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 25% 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.
It's Winter so dress appropriately the the weather this day.
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
12/14/2024 at 10:45am
Staging Location:
Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Rd
Schuylerville, NY 12871
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Bill Schaaf
518-542-0608
Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:
Updated 15, May 2024
The CDC has changed its COVID-19 protocol recommendations for 2024, updating them to reflect the changing severity and transmission of the virus. Please click here for the latest information and continue to practice common sense distancing protocols while in enclosed locations.
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
rs 12/02; MER
