Student raising funds for veterans cemetery

A Waupaca High School student is again raising funds for wreaths at Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Like last year, Chloe Heisler’s goal is to raise funds for a total of 500 wreaths.

Each December, a ceremony and wreath laying takes place at the cemetery in King.

There are close to 7,000 graves there, and a wreath was placed on each of them last year.

Last year was the first time Heisler raised funds to go toward the project.

She raised around $4,500 dollars, enough for about 450 wreaths.

Those who want to be part of her fundraiser may mail checks, payable to the American Legion Rider Association, to her at E2717 East Christmas Tree Lane, Waupaca, WI 54981.

It costs $15 to sponsor a wreath, and the deadline is Monday, Nov. 27.

American Legion Riders District 8 began placing wreaths in 2012.

After contacting Wreaths Across America, the group became the coordinator for the cemetery in King.

The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember, honor and teach.

Coordinating wreath laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and at veterans’ cemeteries throughout the country is one way it does this.

Heisler will deliver the checks she receives for this December’s event to the organization.

There is a reason why she became interested in this effort.

“This is so important to me because my grandpa Tom is a veteran. I want him to know, wherever he is buried, he will always be honored and remembered by so many. I want him to know I love him by doing this, and I want him to know that I am so very grateful and thankful for what he has done for our country.

“He is not the only reason why I am doing this, though. I am doing this for every veteran out there. I am so very grateful for every veteran out there. They risk their lives for our freedom. Every veteran means the world to me,” she said.

She is visiting businesses this year to seek donations and appreciates those who donated and helped last year.

“It’s amazing to see this project go from a little essay in my eighth-grade class to this amazing project that covered the cemetery,” Heisler said.