The Joshua Stow Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (Joshua Stow Chapter NSDAR) is happy to announce it will be bringing Wreaths Across America back to the Stow community this December 16, 2023 at 2:30 pm. Last year we were joined by over 200 community members to help honor our community’s veterans by placing wreaths on their resting place in all three community cemeteries. Our ceremony was part of a global effort with over 2.7 million wreaths placed in over 3,700 cemeteries from the banks of Alaska to the beaches of Normandy to further honor veterans from the Revolutionary War to present day conflicts by placing wreaths on their resting places. Wreaths Across America (WAA) is a national, non-profit organization whose mission is simple: Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve, and Teach the next generation about the value of freedom. This year’s ceremony in Stow will again occur concurrently with other ceremonies across the country and around the globe as part of the WAA organization project.
Additionally, on November 11th, Veterans’ Day, at 12:30 pm, Joshua Stow Chapter NSDAR will be holding a ceremonial first wreath laying at the Doughboy statue in front of City Hall in honor of our community’s veterans. In the case of inclement weather on Veterans’ Day, the first wreath-laying ceremony will be held inside City Hall.
The Doughboy stood Sentry duty from the end of WWII until 1979 when it was damaged during the road widening project. For 17 years he was absent but a community wide effort to restore him saw his return in 1996. He is the visible reminder of Stow’s long history of its citizens who worked for and achieved American Independence and who have defended our country’s freedom. As the inscription at the statue base reads “Dedicated to those who have served our country. Their memory lives on forever and we shall never forget.” The iconic Doughboy statue was the logical choice for the first WAA remembrance wreath. Kristen Hoover Boutton, Chapter Regent, said “The laying of our first wreath at the Doughboy symbolizes our gratitude to all the men and women of Stow who served our community and nation in peacetime and war. Our ceremony in December will allow us to continue to honor and express our appreciation for our community veterans.”
With an estimated 850 veterans laid to rest between the three Stow cemeteries, the Joshua Stow Chapter NSDAR is looking for your help to sponsor enough wreaths to cover all the known veterans laid to rest in our three community cemeteries! Wreaths may be sponsored at a cost of $17 and can be done online at www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/OH0247P or by emailing JoshuaStowDAR@gmail.com for a sponsorship form.
One of the largest patriotic women’s organizations in the world, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and abroad. Over 1 million women have joined the DAR since it was founded on October 11, 1890. DAR strives to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service, and more. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible. Whether you are a busy executive, retired, a stay-at-home mom, or an active grandmother, DAR offers many opportunities to get involved with service and fellowship.
For additional information about DAR or the upcoming Wreaths Across America ceremony, please contact Joshua Stow NSDAR at JoshuaStowDAR@gmail.com.
