Bloomington, IL (December 12, 2012)
An Arlington National Cemetery tradition is coming to Bloomington. Community volunteers will gather Saturday morning, to honor military veterans. The event, at Miller Park, is part of Wreaths Across America Day, which coincides with wreaths being placed at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. and other locations across the country.
"Laying these wreaths is a way to remember the sacrifices made by fallen soldiers, honor our military and their families and to teach our children about our freedom and those who protect it," said Marie Dillon, President of State Farm's Military Affinity Group.
In 2010, Wreaths Across America, a national non-profit organization, and its network of volunteers laid over 220,000 memorial wreaths at more than 500 locations in the United States and beyond.
WHAT: For the 6th year, local veterans, State Farm's Military Affinity Group, and local elected officials will participate in the laying of the wreath ceremony.
WHEN: 10:30 a.m., Dec. 15
WHERE: Vietnam Memorial at Miller Park
WHO: Local veterans, elected officials and Bloomington Mayor Steve Stockton have been invited to participate in the ceremony.
In honor of her son serving for a year, and now safely back on American soil, Karen Shinville will have the honor of lighting the Christmas Tree this year at the WAA event.
Holly Anderson, State Farm Public Affairs, (309) 735-7745
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 43 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.
