Wreaths Across America mobile exhibit coming to Sequim

The wreaths are on the move — and Sequim is getting a visit.

For the first time, the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Tour exhibit — a unique museum-on-wheels seeking to honor veterans — is coming to Washington state, and will be available for the community to view in Sequim on Monday, Aug. 1.

The mobile exhibit will be at the Sequim Village Shopping Center, 651 W. Washington St., starting at 10 a.m. and is open to the public through 3 p.m.

“The goal of the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit is to bring community together and teach patriotism while remembering the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of the National Wreaths Across America in Maine.

The exhibit, organization representatives note, serves as a mobile museum, educating visitors about the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes as well as to serve as an official “welcome home” station Vietnam War veterans.

Families, child and youth groups are especially encouraged to visit the museum, organizers said.

Master of Ceremonies Levi Douglas, coordinator for the northwest Veterans Resources Center, opens the event with recognition of dignitaries. He’s followed by a welcoming by Holly Rowan, Clallam County Veterans Association president, and posting of colors, the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance (led by Junior American Citizens members), and an invocation from Melody Albertson, chapter chaplain with the Michael Trebert Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. A representative from Wreaths Across America will offer comments and Douglas closes the ceremony. Post 29 Legion Riders will be on hand with a flag line as well.

The Wreaths Across America (WAA) Mobile Education Exhibit is a national tour that starts at the WAA headquarters in Maine. Other stops across the state include Mount Vernon (July 29), Seattle (July 30), Ephrata (Aug. 5) and Kennewick (Aug. 6).

The Michael Trebert Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution serves as the Clallam County coordinator for Wreaths Across America at 10 cemeteries, from Gardiner to Forks.

Individuals and groups can sponsor a veteran’s wreath any time for $15 at wreathsacrossamerica.org/WA0153. Each sponsorship goes toward a live balsam wreath that will be placed on the headstone at one of the 10 local cemeteries on Dec. 17, as part of National Wreaths across America Day.

Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell / Lance Cpl. Holly Rowan, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, salutes after laying a ceremonial wreath at Wreaths Across America event at Sequim View Cemetery in 2020. Rowan, president of the Clallam County Veterans Association, helps welcome the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Tour exhibit on Aug. 1.

Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell / Lance Cpl. Holly Rowan, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, salutes after laying a ceremonial wreath at Wreaths Across America event at Sequim View Cemetery in 2020. Rowan, president of the Clallam County Veterans Association, helps welcome the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Tour exhibit on Aug. 1.