MILFORD – In 2024, Wreaths Across America in Milford fundraised and placed 220 wreaths for fallen veterans at Sacred Heart Cemetery with the help of more than 30 volunteers, including members of the Franklin High School Hockey Team. This year, organizer Maggie McIssac hopes to honor all 1,000 veterans laid to rest at the cemetery and is calling on the local community for support.
The effort began as a coin drive in 2015 in partnership with Thanks to Yanks. Over the years, McIssac raised more than $10,000 for military members and their families, supported by donors and administrators from the Milford Public School District. Since last year, all proceeds from previous coin drives have been used to fund wreaths for Wreaths Across America at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Milford.
With approximately 1,000 fallen veterans at the cemetery, McIssac’s goal is to ensure every grave receives a wreath this holiday season. So far, 152 wreaths have been donated. Community members are encouraged to visit Milford’s Wreaths Across America website to sponsor a wreath or complete a volunteer form. Wreaths cost $17 each and can also be purchased in larger quantities, either in honor of a family member in service or in memory of a fallen veteran. Volunteers are invited to Sacred Heart Cemetery on Saturday, December 13th at noon to help place the wreaths.
McIssac’s commitment to this mission is deeply personal—her brother served after the events of 9/11, and her father was a firefighter. Supporting Wreaths Across America in Milford is her way of giving back to her family and to veterans who have served our country.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit the Wreaths Across America in Milford Facebook page.
