Fulton County Ohio Media

As part of a continuing fund-raising effort for Wreaths Across America, the Legion Riders of Swanton American Legion Murbach-Siefert Post 479 put on a poker run in honor former Legion member Eric Stasa this past Saturday and to raise awareness for this worthy cause.  Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization that raises money in order to place a wreath on the gravesite of every United States military veteran in the nation.  Their mission statement reads: Remember our fallen U.S. veterans.  Honor those who serve.  Teach our children the value of freedom.

Leading the local effort is Swanton resident and Legionnaire John Schmidt, U.S. Army Retired.  “We’re going from Swanton to Holland, from Holland to Morenci, from Morenci to Wauseon and Wauseon back to Swanton,” said John outlining their itinerary for the day.  “Basically, the reason is to raise money to purchase wreaths for every veteran’s grave in Swanton.  Right now, we have two cemeteries.  We have the main cemetery on Main Street and St. Richard’s Cemetery (Dodge Street) that have signed up to be locations for it.  We’re looking to purchase 600 wreaths.  There are 600 grave sites between the two cemeteries.  I know because I counted every single one of them.  I figure if Toledo can do it and West Unity can do it, why can’t we do it?  That’s our goal.”

This year, the wreath-laying ceremony will take place on December 16^th in over 3700 cemeteries in all 50 states.  Over two million wreaths will be placed on veterans’ grave sites that day.  The Swanton Legion is still very short of their goal at this writing.  Each wreath is just $17.  If you would like to donate to this great cause you can contact the Legion at 419-826-2936 or stop in at 200 S. Hallet Ave. and they will provide all the details you need.

Photo: John Schmidt riding to help honor American veterans