Wreaths Across America: Veteran helps deliver thousands of wreaths for fallen Wisconsin vets

 

UNION GROVE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Wednesday, Dec 14, volunteers at Southern Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery received thousands of wreaths ahead of their wreath laying ceremony Saturday, Dec. 17.

The tenure initiative is a part of the Wreaths Across America project, honoring fallen veterans.

"They deserve so much more than we can ever give, but at least we are showing them respect," said Ellen Jante, a volunteer with the Wreaths Across America Project.

Wednesday, Jante, along with a small army of five volunteers, laid 150 designated wreathes for families who donated a wreath, specifically for their loved ones.

The local chapter of Wreaths Across America raised enough money for 4,733 wreaths, falling short of their initial goal of 10,000 wreaths.

"I want to help them all, but there's only so much we can do," said Jante.

Despite the shortcomings, Jante, along with her grandson Nathan, marched the gravesite of the fallen, armed with green garland and pride for their country.

"I'm just trying to do my best to give back, give a little of my time, because they gave their time and sometimes even a lot more than that, said Nathan Henkel, Jante's grandson and volunteer.

The wreaths traveled nearly 2,000 miles from Maine to get to the cemetery, being driven by a Navy veteran, someone who says it's not about self, but about the country.

"It's an honor for me to have that flag on this truck, it's an honor for me to say I am an American," said Chuck Atman, U.S. Navy Veteran and truck driver.

Saturday, 300 Volunteers will lay the remaining wreaths.

"It's just a remembrance, that somebody does care about them, they're not forgotten," said Jante.

For more information about Wreaths Across America Union Grove chapter click the link here.