The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 776, is asking the public to help reach its goal of placing a wreath on 60,000 graves at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell on December 19. Residents can sponsor wreaths to honor veterans buried there. Chapter members say the effort ensures that every veteran laid to rest at the cemetery receives recognition during the holiday season.
Sponsors can request wreaths by visiting the chapter’s website at the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 776 page, or by calling 352-586-5441. Wreaths cost $17 each, $20 for two, $26 for three, and $32 for four. Each sponsor receives a card that names the veteran or the sponsor, and the wreath is placed in the honored veteran’s memory.
Organizers say the drive has grown each year as more families seek to honor relatives who served. The chapter has asked the public to submit requests early so that all sponsored wreaths can be placed before the December 19 ceremony. Volunteers will gather to lay the wreaths across the cemetery grounds in Bushnell.
Anyone who wants more information can contact the Citrus County Chronicle at 352-563-5655 or visit chronicleonline.com for updates on the wreath program and related community events.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
