As we wind the year down and celebrate the holiday season with friends and family, the entire NMAW staff would like to extend a warm holiday greeting to our military personnel and their families. Thank you for your service to our Country.

The National Museum of Americans in Wartime is happy to announce that the annual Open House will be held August 21st and 22nd of 2010.

Save the date and check back often for updates.

In solemn ceremonies that took place at more than 400 locations worldwide on Saturday, Dec. 12, 20-inch live balsam wreaths with red ribbon were placed on U.S. military graves. The numbers aren’t in yet, but it’s estimated that more than 100,000 wreaths were placed.

Wreaths were placed on memorials and cemeteries in all 50 states, from Maine to Alaska to Hawaii, at several locations is Iraq, and at 24 national cemeteries on foreign soil.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization with headquarters in Harrington, ME. The wreath project was formed as an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project. The project’s stated purpose is to “remember the fallen, honor those who serve and to teach our children the value of freedom.”

Congress has officially proclaimed the second Saturday in December as Wreaths Across America Day.
Here is the whole story.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

LEBANON — A group of World War II veterans were honored with commemorative eagle canes Sunday morning as part of the American Legion Post 214’s Peal Harbor Day ceremonies.

Post Commander Steve White said Sunday was the first time the two-and-a-half-year-old post honored veterans with commemorative canes.

The Eagle Cane Project started in the Midwest, but has since expanded across the county. About 400 have been given out in Maine. Charles and Bob Perry, of the Maine Wood Carvers Association, carved the canes given out Sunday.

“The project was originally intended for wounded veterans, but it has expanded to honor veterans nationwide,” Charles Perry said.

Guest Speaker Harold Sheffield, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Raiders, was also surprised with an eagle cane.

Sheffield said the raiders were the first special forces branch the Marine Corps formed. It did so in February 1942 when America’s position in the war with Japan was looking dismal. He said the unit’s purpose was to make quick attacks against the Japanese.

The post will host additional ceremonies in the future and always is looking for ways to honor its veterans.

Read the whole story here.

A string of ceremonies to honor veterans will be held in Rochester on Dec. 12 as part of a national event, Wreaths Across America.

Wreaths Across America is an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project, in which more than 5,000 wreaths are laid on graves at Arlington National Cemetery.

Read more here.

A military family will be joining Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien for holiday festivities and Christmas tree decorating at the Capitol on Tuesday.

The theme for this year’s holiday decorations at the Capitol is “Colorado’s Proud Names and Faces” and will honor members of the military.

Read the story here.