Brownsboro Hardware Supports National Wreaths Across America Day

Nearly 6,000 holiday wreaths will be placed on veterans’ graves at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, December 17. Thanks to broad support from the community, this is a record number and 2,000 more than last year.

A total of 5,940 Maine Balsam wreaths will arrive at the cemetery this week and will be placed following a ceremony at Zachary Taylor on Saturday, starting at noon. Attendees will be asked to place wreaths on graves in remembrance of the sacrifices veterans have made. Throughout the country, similar ceremonies will take place at other national cemeteries as part of the National Wreaths Across America Day. Brownsboro Hardware & Paint is one of several organizations in the community to raise funds to purchase the wreaths.

“When a wreath is placed, we ask that the person say the veteran’s name out loud,” said Scott Giltner, coordinator of the project. “That way, that veteran is never forgotten. Many participants will bring their children Saturday to teach them about the contributions that our veterans have made for the betterment of our country.”

“Some people ask why wreaths are not placed on all 11,000+ graves,” said Susan Kalmey with the Corn Island Chapter of NSDAR, one of the local sponsoring organizations. “The simple fact is that we have to raise funds to place the graves. There is no government support. We rely on private and corporate donations to make this happen. And we are excited and grateful to have this huge increase this year. Our eventual goal is to get a wreath on every grave.”

“I can’t thank our customers and friends enough for stepping up to help this year,” said Doug Carroll, owner of Brownsboro Hardware & Paint. “We had such strong support with people buying one, five, ten, or even 100 wreaths. I’m hoping for a large crowd this Saturday to see and participate in this emotional and patriotic event.” Brownsboro Hardware & Paint matched the first 100 wreaths sold at the stores.

Wreaths Across America is a national organization that started in 2007. Its mission: Remember the fallen. Honor those that serve. And Teach the next generation about the value of freedom. The organization placed more than 2.5 wreaths at more than 3,600 locations in 2021. For more information on the organization, visit  www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/KYZTNL

Brownsboro Hardware & Paint recently celebrated its 62nd anniversary. This year, the Better Business Bureau awarded Brownsboro Hardware & Paint the “Torch Award for Ethics,” and the Prospect Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Brownsboro Hardware & Paint” as “Best Employer of 2022.”

Brownsboro Hardware & Paint has two locations in Louisville and Prospect, Ky.