VFW post looking for vets' graves
By From staff reports
Published in News on September 27, 2015 1:50 AM
PIKEVILLE -- American Legion Post 541 members are asking for help from the African-American community in identifying the grave sites of veterans for the post's Wreaths Across America program.
The post is preparing to launch its third year in the program in which live Christmas wreaths are placed on the graves of veterans in the Pikeville Cemetery as well as in private and church cemeteries.
Last year the post raised $1,470 and was able to purchase 147 wreaths.
Most of the wreaths were placed at the Pikeville Cemetery, but some were placed in private and church cemeteries.
The wreaths cost $15 each, or two for $30. For every two purchased, the post receives a third one free.
Wade McGee, Post 541 adjutant and finance officer, said the post is particularly interested in establishing contacts in the African-American community.
McGee said he is sure there are African-American veterans buried in other cemeteries in the Pikeville area and that the post wanted to ensure those veterans are remembered as well.
Anyone with information about a veteran's grave site, or who wants to place an order for a wreath should call McGee at 919-734-9244.
The cutoff date for orders is Dec. 1.
The wreaths will be placed on the graves during a ceremony Dec. 12, which is National Wreaths Across America Day.
Checks should be made payable to American Legion Post 541 and mailed to Wade McGee, 1714 Rose St., Goldsboro, N.C. 27530.
In the memo line write "wreaths."