No doubt about it – 2021 was a challenging year. Actually, due to the global pandemic, it was the second challenging year in a row. By the time 2021 was almost over, organizations and individuals alike were consistently expressing a strong desire to return to celebrating traditions and making new memories together.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA), our team members and the Veterans and families we serve were particularly looking forward to a very special annual event: securing and placing thousands of memorial wreaths at our three State Cemeteries in Duluth, Preston and Little Falls.

Unfortunately, last fall MDVA learned the non-profit organization that had previously taken the lead in purchasing these wreaths—a significant financial investment—was unable to do so.

“Every year, families and friends of fallen heroes who call one of our State Veterans Cemeteries their final resting place come here for a sense of comfort and connection,” said David Swantek, MDVA Deputy Director of Memorial Affairs. “It feels even more important during the winter holidays to try and ensure that those visitors experience a sense of warmth and support at a time when there’s an empty seat at the dinner table and one less gift to exchange. We just couldn’t abandon this important tradition, so we decided to take the fundraising reins ourselves.”

With only weeks to go, MDVA leaders assembled a team to create a comprehensive approach to communicating with communities statewide and asking for financial assistance with this unexpected, unbudgeted expense. Individuals, corporations, Veterans Service Organizations and Veterans’ survivors stepped forward to help. In addition, our local Veterans Cemeteries Administrators—Cory Johnson, Duluth; Erik Sogge, Little Falls; and Robert Gross, Preston—broadly spread the message in their respective hometowns via news interviews, outreaches to local donors and social media postings.

“Our Veterans who have been laid to rest represent a robust variety of backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences,” said Andy Garvais, MDVA Director of Veterans Programs and Memorial Affairs. “However, what they have in common is their service and sacrifice to our country. This campaign to purchase and place a sea of wreaths at our locations was one way we could let people know that their loved ones’ service and sacrifice had not been forgotten.”

MDVA is grateful for the generous response of our fellow Minnesotans; in particular, we tip our hat to our largest donors – DAV Minnesota and Marine Miller – who each donated $5,000. Since December, visitors have been sharing their appreciation for the more than 6,500 wreaths laid at our three State Veterans Cemeteries in time for the winter holidays.

The more we give, the more we receive

It took more than donations to make sure the memorial wreaths would be laid, though: it took helping hands. A group of MDVA employees contributed 75 hours cumulatively to place thousands of wreaths in three communities. Mari Pillar, MDVA Office and Administrative Specialist, said she believes employees like her got so much more than they gave. “It was a way to see up close and personal what our daily mission is really all about. I was so happy to participate.”

Brad Lindsay, Deputy Commissioner - Programs & Services, agrees. “This wreath placing event was a special way for us to come together and accomplish what we have all pledged to do—take care of Veterans.”

MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke applauded agency employees and Minnesota citizens for helping to honor Veterans and their families through this special project. “Taking time to recognize and reflect upon how much Veterans and their families have given, from one generation to the next, is important. The kindness and support that surrounds us and our commitment to Veterans is inspiring,” he said.

Discussions are currently underway regarding the 2022 memorial wreaths program, community partnerships and fundraising efforts.