Written by: Scott Obrigewitch - DMS Social Studies Teacher
Dickinson Middle School just completed their tenth year of fundraising for Wreaths Across America. The fundraiser's goal is to remember our fallen Veterans on Christmas, honor those who serve and teach the value of freedom. On National Wreaths Across America Day each December, volunteers place wreaths on individual veterans' graves in over 1,100 locations throughout the U.S., with ceremonies at sea and at each of the national cemeteries on foreign soil. Money raised by DMS helps purchase wreaths placed on the headstones of all Veterans buried at the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery in Mandan. The fundraiser is led by the student council members and has evolved from a coin drive to a competition. Homerooms who raise the most money are presented a plaque with the winning homeroom teacher's name and are also treated with doughnuts. This year the doughnuts are being provided by the American Legion Auxiliary Dickinson Chapter to show their appreciation.
The idea for the fundraiser came from Lee Mehrer, a Special Education Instructor. She thought of the idea when her husband Owen passed away and was buried at N.D. Veteran's Cemetery. She partnered with Scott Obrigewitch, Social Studies Teacher and Army Veteran, to raise awareness of Wreaths Across America during the school's annual Veteran's Day program. Since then, DMS student council members have taken the reins and every year encourage fellow students to bring money for this worthy cause.
In the last ten years, Hagen Junior High and Dickinson Middle School have raised nearly $14,000. Last year alone, $3,900 was raised and was presented by Lee and Scott to the Civil Air Patrol, who sponsor the event at the Veteran's Cemetery. Some of the money raised was presented to Mr. Brian Benesh who, every Memorial Day, places American Flags on Veteran’s headstones buried here in Dickinson. This year DMS raised $1585.03. Lee and Scott presented the money on Saturday, December 19th, 2020, when they attended the event at N.D. Veteran's Cemetery.
“The event always had a special place in my heart, being a third generation Veteran. But when my father Claude, passed away two years ago and was buried there, it means so much more. To see so many people go every year to place wreaths on their loved ones gravesite is a special honor. But also to see hundreds of people volunteer simply because they know the importance of honoring those who served our Country makes the event even more extraordinary.”
Wreaths Across America has become a mainstay at Dickinson Middle School. The students and staff who have supported the fundraiser for the last ten years should be commended on their Patriotism and willingness to show appreciation to those who have served in our Nation's Armed Forces and the sacrifices made by military families.