By Mike Steely

Chris Albrecht, Wreaths Across America program ambassador, is reminding everyone that December 19th is the day for Wreaths Across America to be laid in three veteran cemeteries in Knox County. But the effort is running behind in the total number of wreaths sponsored.

Albrecht called out to the public last week. He said that each cemetery needs help. The East Tennessee Volunteer Veterans Cemetery on Governor John Sevier Highway needs 4,000 wreaths but only has donations for 855 so far.

The National Cemetery downtown needs 9,000 wreaths but only has funds for 698 and the Lyons View Cemetery needs 5,000 but only has funds for 2,156 wreaths.

“We have a ways to go. 2020 is giving us some challenges to overcome,” he said.

In helping to honor those veterans who served our nation the donation of funds to help by wreaths is easy. The donation of $15 buys one wreath, $30 buys two, $75 gets five, and $150 would fund 10 wreaths.

You may contact Albrecht at (865) 207-4294 or find Wreaths Across America’s Knoxville campaign at www.knoxwreaths.org.