For the second year, First Service Bank and Operation Red, White and Brave Foundation will participate in Wreaths Across America, which will honor our country’s fallen heroes while also helping local veterans, active military and their families.

The bank and foundation are supporting the nonprofit organization Arkansas Run for the Fallen and its efforts to raise money for Wreaths Across America, with a portion of each sale made through First Service Bank donated to the ORWB Foundation to help meet its mission.

“Please join with First Service Bank and ORWB to help us honor and remember as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring remembrance wreaths,” said Rebecca Barnard, board chairman of the ORWB Foundation. “Your generous donation will also help the Foundation provide assistance to local veterans, those serving in the military and their families.”

The mission of Wreaths Across America is to “Remember the fallen, honor those who served and teach our children the value of freedom.” It is carried out each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies on a specific Saturday in December at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

Wreaths Across America began in 1992 as an initiative to bring wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. In 2006, in response to thousands of emails and letters, Worcester Wreath expanded its wreath donations nationwide. With the help of local communities, ceremonies are now held across the country. 

This year, the Wreaths Across America ceremonies to honor veterans and fallen service members buried at participating veteran cemeteries will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 16. Everyone is welcome to attend. Volunteers are also sought to help distribute the wreaths.

“Wreaths Across America gives the community a chance to come together to recognize the sacrifice made by so many for the freedoms enjoyed in the U.S.,” said Rebecca. 

Money donated in Arkansas stays in the state to honor Arkansas fallen heroes and support families of the fallen. The goal of Arkansas Run for the Fallen is to see every single veteran buried at a veterans cemetery in the state honored.

First Service Bank has set a goal of selling 1,000 wreaths, which are $17 each. Donations are tax deductible. First Service Bank will match dollar for dollar the amount raised to donate to the ORWB Foundation.

Several purchase options are available, including a donated veteran’s wreath placed at a participating cemetery and a second purchased wreath with military branch flag sent to the address of the buyer’s choice. Wreaths Across America also offers recurring sponsorships. 

To purchase a wreath or for more information, visit a First Service banker or go to firstservicebank.com/orwb.