Civil Air Patrol asks for help with 'Section 60 Project'

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MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  As part of its holiday tradition of partnering with Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization that recognizes the courage and sacrifices of U.S. veterans, the Civil Air Patrol is calling on its partners and its parent organization, the Air Force, to help with this year's "Section 60 Project" at Arlington National Cemetery, Va.

Section 60 is the final resting place for about 9,000 men and women, many of whom were killed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"It has been called the 'Saddest Acre in America' because the grief is so fresh for the family and friends they've left behind," said Maj. Gen. Amy Courter, the CAP national commander. "Tragically, it is also the fastest growing section in Arlington."

This is the first year the entire Section 60 has been open to Wreaths Across America and CAP, whose annual goal is to lay a wreath at the foot of every U.S. veterans' gravestone, as well as at memorials nationwide and abroad.

In December, more than 200,000 wreaths will be placed at Arlington National Cemetery and at other veterans' gravesites in each of the nation's 50 states and at dozens of other U.S. cemeteries and memorials on foreign soil. In all, 535 wreath-laying observances are planned, with CAP leading or assisting with many of them, including the national ceremony Dec. 11 at Arlington.

"This is our opportunity to honor all veterans who have found a final resting place there," said CAP General Courter. "Please help us commemorate and remember their sacrifice, their patriotism and their dedication to the defense of our nation.

"Let's do our part to make sure there is a wreath for every fallen hero in Section 60," said Gen. Courter.

For more information, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/how-would-you-wish-upon-a-heroq.html.

(Courtesy of Air University Public Affairs)