Wreaths for Heros looks to expand to Linn

This is one of the older gravestones in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Taos and is one of about a dozen Civil War markers in the Cole County cemetery. (Photograph courtesy of Dan Schnieders)
This is one of the older gravestones in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Taos and is one of about a dozen Civil War markers in the Cole County cemetery. (Photograph courtesy of Dan Schnieders)

Following their retirement after a 22-year military career - and a corporate one that ran a little longer - Dan and Charlotte Schnieders looked for opportunities to help their community.

Inspired by the efforts of Pete and Lorraine Adkins, the Schnieders decided to set up and operate a Wreaths for Heroes program similar to the effort the Adkins organized at the Jefferson City National Cemetery since 2010.

The Schnieders developed a plan to recognize veterans buried in their respective hometowns - Taos for Dan and Linn for Charlotte - by placing an artificial Christmas wreath on veterans' graves. The wreaths can be reused, and the wreath-laying is accompanied by a ceremony including prayer, song, patriotic speeches and military honors. The wreaths are placed on the same December date as the nationally recognized Wreaths Across America effort and remain in place until early January.

The Schnieders launched their effort in Taos first with the local Knights of Columbus (Council 6430) and its Ladies Auxiliary supporting their efforts. Approximately $3,500 was raised to buy wreaths for about 140 veterans' graves at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, with enough money left over to cover future needs. A full ceremony took place with a four-member honor guard firing salutes, presenting the colors and playing "Taps."

With the Taos program in place, the Schnieders hope to start the program in Linn this December.

Launching the effort at St. George Cemetery in Linn has been challenging because the parish has taken on a large capital improvement project, and there are few discretionary dollars to go to a program like theirs right now, the Schnieders said. They are looking to raise $3,000-$3,300 and are one-third of the way to that amount.

Anyone wanting to donate to start the Linn program or to maintain Taos program can go to Legends Bank on Route M in Taos and on East Main Street in Linn to fill out a deposit slip for either program. Contributions can also be mailed to the Schnieders' home at 920 Sherwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, with a check payable to the Linn or Taos Wreaths for Heroes program. Contributions are tax-deductible.

The Schnieders said fundraising for programs like this often have unique timing characteristics. Since fundraising cannot wait until December, as the lead time to buy and decorate wreaths and arrange the ceremony must take place months in advance. Also, additional funds are needed to purchase wreaths for veterans who may no longer have family in the community.

"We love to have volunteers because we don't want to have people think that we are doing this by ourselves," Dan Schnieders said. "We have had great response from the schools in Taos. Scouts have also been helpful. We hope to get more involvement from young people in Linn once they're back in session in the fall."

The Schnieders said they have found with today's all-volunteer military there are misconceptions about what it means to be a military veteran, so they hope programs like theirs will ensure the contributions of veterans are respected and honored.

"It seems to me that we have families with either a lot of experience in the military - with members currently serving or who have served in the past - and then, because there is no draft, there are many families with no exposure to the military," Dan, a 22-year Army veteran, said.

The Schnieders recognize there are dozens of communities throughout Cole and Osage counties where cemeteries would benefit from a Wreaths for Heroes effort. They would be happy to assist anyone in those communities in starting a program.

"As we've gone to the volunteer service, I think there is a growing feeling that protecting the country is the responsibility of others," Charlotte added. "War is not just something on the news. It's part of people's lives."

Questions about the programs should be directed to 573-635-2662. Information is also available on Facebook at Taos Wreaths for Heroes and Linn Wreaths for Heroes.