Volunteers propose Wreaths Across America event for Ridge Brook Cemetery; ask city for veterans list and publicity

Volunteers representing Wreaths Across America asked the Richfield City Council for help publicizing a December wreath-laying at Ridge Brook Cemetery and for access to the city’s list of local veterans.

Sue Peterson introduced the group's request and said volunteers would raise funds to purchase and place wreaths on veterans’ graves on the organization’s national day of service, reported as December 13. Eric Peterson described the national program’s volunteer model, said wreath sponsorships are $17 each and asked the city to provide a list of veterans’ graves so the local organizers can set a sponsorship goal for Richfield.

Eric Peterson said the group and the Richfield Area Chamber of Commerce would manage local fundraising and event logistics and that volunteers would place and later remove the wreaths. He said the program is volunteer-run and that “every single penny will go towards wreaths … going to the Richfield Cemetery.” He also asked the city to consider lighting the veterans monument during the event and to share the chamber’s sponsorship page in city communications.

Council members expressed support for the idea and suggested the city could make a modest donation and help publicize the Chamber of Commerce sponsorship page. No formal city funding decision was made at the meeting; staff noted the chamber would host the donation page and that the organizer would coordinate details with city staff. The organizers said they were also coordinating with local VFW representatives.

The volunteers said wreaths are nonreligious, that the organization has placed wreaths at more than 5,000 cemeteries nationwide and that volunteers previously have sponsored wreaths and contributed to veteran causes through partnerships with other veteran organizations.