Vietnam War Bracelets Come Full Circle

DAR member Betsy Bergstrom gave an interesting report at the November meeting on “Vietnam Bracelets” that were worn more than forty years ago for Veterans who had been killed or missing in action. Betsy saw an article in the November 6th, 2010 Star Newspaper “Vietnam War Bracelets Comes Full Circle.” Betsy had bought one in the late 60’s for a POW fund raisers. This project brought the nation together. Over 5 million bracelets were sold. In the article a 79 year old former prisoner of war told his story of being released after enduring 8 long years of imprisonment. While he was recuperating in the hospital he received bracelets from people who had purchased one that had his name etched in the side. He had received numerous ones, which he keeps in a shoebox. He is still receiving bracelets and keeps in contact with the prior owners. Betsy still had her bracelet after all these years. She went to the web site www.dtic.mil/dpmo, which was in the newspaper article to check on the status of her Veteran where she found out he was presumed still missing in action or possibly deceased. This web site is for all past wars, so this could be one to keep in your favorites or e-mail to friends.

Wreaths Across America

The Wreaths Across America is held annually on the second Saturday of December was unanimously voted by the US Congress as “Wreaths Across America Day.” Wreaths Across America would not be successful without the help of the volunteers, many active organizations and the generosity of the trucking industry. The program is held at:

Wilmington National Cemetery
2011 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28403
Date: Dec. 11, 2010
Time: 12 Noon E.S.T.

http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ Contact this web site for additional information.
Brenda Birmelin our treasurer needs to have your checks for $15.00 for a donation for 1 wreath by November 24th. Please make out the check to Brunswick Town DAR Chapter. Mail your checks to:

Brenda Birmelin Treasurer
Brunswick Town Chapter of the DAR
146 NW 8th St.
Oak Island 28465-7009
e-mail address: endabre@bellsouth.net Please e-mail Brenda if you need a form for your donation.

Also, while you are in the blog go to the Older posts and read last year’s article about the Wreaths Across America. It will give you a nice background of the day.

World War II Information

At the November DAR meeting, The National Defense Report was given by National Defense Chairman, Trudy Tranzillo. Trudy reported that 183,000 children lost a parent in WWII. The AWON, an organization that supports families of men who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country during WWII, worked with Pepsi Cola to record messages of soldiers that were sent to their families. A 45 rpm was recently unpacked and given to Roberta Brigitt Caito of the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter of DAR. She heard her father’s voice for the first time since he was killed in WWII four months before her birth.