ROXBURY, NJ – Of all the things you’re coaxed to buy this holiday season, a wreath for a veteran’s grave might not seem the most important.

But Kim Armstrong hopes you’ll pause a minute and think about it.

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Armstrong, of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapter in Ledgewood, is coordinating an effort to lay wreaths on 560 veteran graves in Roxbury. While the wreaths will honor the fallen, it’s their impact on the living that motivates Armstrong.

“It’s showing respect to all veterans, whether they’re living or dead,” she said, noting the cemetery has tombstones dating back to the Revolution. “And it’s showing our currently active military people that we appreciate what they are doing and we will remember their service now and going forward.”

Don’t take too long to ponder this one. The deadline for contributing to the Wreaths Across America campaign is Dec. 3. It originally was Dec. 1, but by being extended to Dec. 3 it allows contributors to do so as part of the worldwide “Giving Tuesday” endeavor on Dec. 2.

It's probably too late to mail a check, but contributors can sponsor a wreath online through the DAR's web form.

Wreaths donated to the cause will be placed on graves at the cemetery and at others across the country, including Arlington National Cemetery, on Dec. 13 at 11 a.m.





Armstrong said the wreath-laying ceremony in Roxbury, the only one in Morris County, will be open to the public. It will be attended by local and state officials as well as members of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, area churches, the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of America and the DAR chapter.