Wreaths Across America mobile museum makes stop in Johnson City

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – A nonprofit dedicated to honoring veterans by laying wreaths on their graves each year brought its mobile museum to Johnson City.

On Wednesday, Wreaths Across America’s mobile education unit set up on Bristol Highway in Johnson City next to Johnson City Nissan.

Richard Schneider with Wreaths Across America said the mobile museum features several education elements and features.

“The museum has a short film in the front, about eight minutes [long],” Schneider said. “It explains to you about the history of it, the motto. It talks to a Gold Star mom [who] tells you why she does her time with it. Then it shows you how they make the wreaths. So even if you’re familiar with Wreaths Across America, come watch the movie, because I guarantee you you’ll see something you didn’t know.”

Schneider told News Channel 11 that taking the mobile museum across the country helps ensure the sacrifice of veterans isn’t forgotten.

“I’m a Navy vet, so that’s something that I really want to do is I want to get people involved,” he said. “I don’t want people to forget because the motto is, if you say their name, they’re never forgotten.”

Wreaths Across America was formed in 1992 and aims to place wreaths on veteran graves each year on Dec. 14.

“What we do is we put wreaths graves of the fallen heroes all over the world,” Schneider said. “The motto is, we want to do it for every fallen hero around the world. That’s over 20 million.”

The traveling museum will be set up until 7 p.m. Schneider said the organization hopes several people in the community come out and that children especially can learn about Wreaths Across America.

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