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From left: Organizers Mike Genter, Mike Burch, and Bruce Mitchell.
LUDINGTON — The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 76 is launching its 2026 Wreaths Across Mason County campaign with a goal of placing 2,200 wreaths on veterans’ graves throughout Mason County during the upcoming holiday season.
The organization, affiliated with Edwin H. Ewing American Legion Post 76 in Ludington, hopes to raise approximately $55,000 to purchase wreaths and stakes for the campaign.
“Every veteran who served our nation deserves to be remembered,” said Mike Burch, squadron first vice commander.
The program has continued to grow since 2024, when volunteers placed 424 wreaths at a cost of $10,625. In 2025, the program expanded to 575 wreaths at a cost of $14,375.
This year’s goal of 2,200 wreaths would represent a significant expansion of the program.
Each wreath sponsorship costs $25, which covers the purchase of a wreath and the stake used to mark a veteran’s grave. The organization is seeking donations from individuals, businesses, civic organizations and community groups.
Burch said 100% of donations will be used to purchase wreaths and stakes, with no money designated for overhead or profit. Whenever possible, materials are purchased from Mason County businesses.
Volunteers assemble the wreaths and attach them to stakes before distributing them to cemeteries throughout the county. Each wreath is placed at a veteran’s grave with a proclamation of the veteran’s name and a salute.
Donors do not need to have a family member buried in Mason County to participate. The organization hopes to ensure that veterans who have no surviving family or friends in the area are also remembered during the holiday season.
Donations may also be designated for specific veterans. Those wishing to sponsor a particular veteran’s grave should provide the veteran’s name, cemetery and grave location, if known, along with the donor’s name and telephone number.
The deadline for donations is Saturday, Nov. 14.
Checks should be made payable to American Legion Post 76 and mailed to:
American Legion Post 76
Attn: Bob Mitchell
318 N. James St.
Ludington, MI 49431
Donations may also be made in person at the post using cash or check. Those who are not members of the American Legion may ring the entrance buzzer for assistance.
Wreaths will be placed in late November. Volunteers will remove the wreaths in late February.
For more information, contact campaign Chairman Mike Burch at 616-889-2149, Mike Genter at 231-690-7797 or American Legion Post 76 at 231-845-7094.
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