My wife and I have worked with everyone serving with Wreaths Across America-Housto, and there are no better group of people to work with. Scott DeMasi and all of them are exemplary examples of giving. We are proud and honored to have gotten to work with them for the time we were able to, as well as seeing the service, giving and great teaching they do! We do not miss the annual wreath laying, and the wreath picking up, and we would never consider not showing up to work with them in giving great honor to those who honored us by being willing to give their all for our freedom and our way of life!
WAA is a wonderful organization. They provide a service to honor our veterans that often relatives cannot do themselves. I have participated for a number of years. At Christmas time to view a VA cemetery filled with evergreen wreaths with red bows makes my heart feel grateful that we continue to honor our veterans for their sacrifices.
I found out about WAA-Houston the first Christmas after my husband’s death when I see his grave. The wreaths were beautiful and I had to know more. It is a very special event honoring our beloved veterans every Christmas seasons. I donate every year to not only have one for my husband but many other veterans as well.
Every year my parents are honored with a Christmas wreath, perfect for this was their favorite holiday. Always donate an extra and it seems most always everyone receives a much deserved wreath. Great Job!
I became aware of WAA-Houston in 2010 and never looked back. I helped unload the trucks the day before and I, along with 2 friends, went to the service that year, and years after to help place wreaths. I know it may sound cliché`, but it changed my life. The first wreath you lay, just makes your heart fill with pride that you are playing a small part in this.
The tradition is you lay the wreath, straighten and make it pretty, say a prayer or just a few words of remembrance, then say the name of the person out loud, some of these names have not been said in years.
I have had people say to me "there are so many organizations who help those still "alive" why do this?" my answer is, come to a ceremony or even days after the ceremony and see the way this effort affects the family and friends of the military buried in this cemetery. To see them sitting around the grave, praying or singing songs, sharing stories about the person they are remembering. Seeing the appreciation in their eyes when they say thank you for not forgetting their loved ones. Come to one ceremony and I promise you, you will leave there a changed person, in a great way. Remember, Honor and Teach.
Wreaths Across America-Houston is wonderful all the way around. Reliable, responsive, and offering a service no one else does. From the very beginning they've been great. Such an important project, thank goodness we have this!
2012 was my first year to participate in Wreaths Across America-Houston. A friend and I laid the wreaths on the graves along with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, elderly, young families, veterans and just ordinary citizens like ourselves. It was most humbling at the end to look back over the headstones we had laid wreaths by and to see all of the wreaths honoring those who served our country. We were both moved and so happy to see people of ALL ages participating. We plan on doing helping again this year!