Guam proudly participating in Wreaths Across America

On the third Saturday of December this year, Guam will be joining more than 2,000 other locations laying down wreaths to remember our fallen heroes.

Wreaths Across America is a day that pays tribute to those who have served across the nation and its mission is to raise awareness of the sacrifices veterans made for our country.

Every second or Third Saturday in December, all veterans' cemeteries nationwide sync in with the Arlington National Cemetery, in Virginia to remember those who serve by holding a moment of silence and lay down their wreaths to their fallen loved ones.

The Guam Veterans Affairs Office was approved to join the national program this year for the first time in late February. VA Director Tim Aguon said in an exclusive interview with KUAM News, this is going to be historical for Guam.

"What it is that each family member or surviving veteran that has a spouse buried there will be able to purchase a wreath for the amount of $15," said Aguon. If you are a part of a non-profit veteran organization you can also purchase a wreath for $15 as well, and $5 will go to support their mission.

On December 18 at 12pm, wreaths will be laid down at the Piti Veterans Cemetery to rermember those who have served.

"So it's a huge grand event that's going to happen," Aguon said. "The entire community is going to get involved. And I am asking that everybody, private, public, and nonprofit organizations and families get involved and support this event. It's going to be very emotional, very life touching and it's long overdue to pay homage to the heroes and the fallen ones that are buried at the Piti cemetery."

The goal is to sell at least 5,870 wreaths. To date, 11 people on the island have purchased a wreath thus far.

Interested individuals can buy their wreaths online at https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/guguvc.

In addition the agency is also in the process of submitting applications for two grants. One is to improve the infrastructure for the U.S. Navy Memorial Cemetery in East Hagatna.

"And to do a little improvement, for example there is one flag pole, we're gonna erect three. We are also looking at erecting a small pavilion for meditation and reflection and maybe a couple of benches at the East Hagatna," said Aguon.

The second grant is going to be used to expand the current footprint of the Piti Cemetery as well as improving the infrastructure, of which he said, "It will allow us to get five more years of life in that cemetery."

Aguon is unsure of the amount of funds the agency will be receiving from the grants but applications are expected to be turned in by Thursday, July 1 and should be getting a rough estimate by next week.