Wreaths Across America honors American veterans, who have passed away, with a touch of class each year. This is how I became aware of their efforts.
Last night I heard our doorbell ring. My German shepherd barked and walked toward the front door to greet a visitor with me. I gave my K9 Mako the command to sitz as I opened the door. A spirited 8-year-old boy, Remmer Machamer, and his charming grandmother greeted us.
Remmer began his well-rehearsed speech about Wreaths Across America when he and my dog both became distracted by their instant friendship. The exuberant lad knelt and began to cavort with Mako. His grandmother, Sherilyn Owren, lovingly reminded him to stay on point. It was a cute moment.
Nevertheless, Remmer returned to the business at hand telling me about the mission of Wreaths Across America. He was a few lines into his passionate remarks when I remembered his visit last year as his mother, Kristin Machamer, accompanied him to our home.
He didn’t need to sell me. I was more than happy to purchase another $15 wreath to lay at the burial site of an American veteran. After all, it is Thanksgiving week, and this is a small way to show my appreciation and respect for service members who’ve sacrificed their life for our country.
In 2018, local news in Austin covered his efforts on behalf of Wreaths Across America.
When KVUE asked Remmer why he did this, he simply said, “A solider is like, one of the most important people in the whole United States of America. … They risk so much for us. They deserve something.”
During the 2018 wreath-laying ceremony, Remmer was recognized with a medal and also got to meet Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, as well as Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush.
As I spoke to Remmer, he mentioned that he was a bit worried they were going to come up short this year. It was heartbreaking for him to think of a veteran’s gravesite that might not get a wreath this Christmas.
Yet always the optimist, Remmer said, “My (5-year-old) sister, Anaiah, gave me $10,” to go toward the cause.
What a sweet girl, I thought.
Our dialogue was a “Hallmark moment” that warmed both my heart, and that of my wife since she was drawn into the conversation at the front door.
Wreaths Across America has become a tradition all over the country, where people lay wreaths over the top of veterans’ gravesites, KVUE reported. The wreaths are paid for through donations by the public; like those being sought by Remmer.
From Wreaths Across America website:
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 1,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.
Join us by sponsoring a veterans’ wreath at a cemetery near you, volunteering or donating to a local fundraising group.
This message was posted by Remmer’s mother earlier today:
Would you consider saying yes to the Remmer in your neighborhood? If this person doesn’t exist, you can make a contribution through “Remmer Machamer’s WAA Donation Page.”
Thank you for your consideration and patriotism! Furthermore, thank you, Remmer, for all you do!
– Jim McNeff
