Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
In November 2021, Hardware Retailing shared how Brownsboro Hardware & Paint and other retailers honor military veterans by participating in the Wreaths Across America event. This year, Brownsboro Hardware went above and beyond, donating nearly 6,000 wreaths and placing them on veterans’ graves at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery on Saturday, December 17. Thanks to broad support from the community, this is a record number and 2,000 more than last year.
5,940 Maine Balsam wreaths arrived at the cemetery last week and were placed following a ceremony at Zachary Taylor on Saturday, starting at noon. Attendees were asked to place wreaths on graves in remembrance of the sacrifices veterans have made. Throughout the country, similar ceremonies took place at other national cemeteries as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. Brownsboro Hardware & Paint was one of several organizations in the community to raise funds to purchase the wreaths.
“When a wreath is placed, we ask that the person say the veteran’s name out loud,” says Scott Giltner, coordinator of the project. ”That way, that veteran is never forgotten. Many participants brought their children Saturday to teach them about the contributions that our veterans have made for the betterment of our country.”
“Some people ask why wreaths are not placed on all 11,000+ graves,” says Susan Kalmey with the Corn Island Chapter of NSDAR, one of the local sponsoring organizations. “The simple fact is that we have to raise funds to place wreaths on the graves. There is no government support. We rely on private and corporate donations to make this happen. And we are excited and grateful to have this huge increase this year. Our eventual goal is to get a wreath on every grave.”
“I can’t thank our customers and friends enough for stepping up to help this year,” says Doug Carroll, owner of Brownsboro Hardware & Paint. “We had such strong support with people buying one, five, ten, or even 100 wreaths. I’m glad we had a large crowd this past Saturday to see and participate in this emotional and patriotic event.” Brownsboro Hardware & Paint matched the first 100 wreaths sold at the stores.
About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a national organization that started in 2007. Its mission: Remember the fallen. Honor those that serve. And Teach the next generation about the value of freedom.
The organization placed more than 2.5 million wreaths at more than 3,600 locations in 2021.
About Brownsboro Hardware & Paint
Known for its product quality and tremendous service, Brownsboro Hardware & Paint recently celebrated its 62nd anniversary. A national hardware magazine, HBS Dealer, awarded the store its “Superstar” recognition for being the top hardware store in Kentucky over the past decade. In addition, this year, the Better Business Bureau awarded Brownsboro Hardware & Paint the “Torch Award for Ethics,” and the Prospect Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Brownsboro Hardware & Paint” as “Best Employer of 2022.”
