Within our Houston community several years ago private citizens (a 6-year-old boy and his father) were disappointed to learn that the Houston National Cemetery did not participate in the National Wreaths Across America (WAA) program. This program seeks to remember our fallen veterans, HONOR those who serve, and TEACH our children to keep the memory of our veterans alive. As funds allow, the WAA and the community come together in December on National Wreaths Across America Day (this year it will be December 15th) and places a wreath on each veteran’s grave in the National Cemetery. Within a year of finding out that Houston was not part of this program, the boy and his father generated community interest and invited community service groups to become a part of this undertaking.
Since 2011 our STTI Beta Beta Houston chapter has partnered with Wreaths Across America Houston (WAAHouston). We have generated over $12,000 for WAAHouston and have placed 737 wreaths at the Houston National Cemetery. It is a privilege to partner with WAAHouston in this service project and place a wreath on each veteran’s site at the Houston National Cemetery. By partnering with WAA our chapter fulfills several of the purposes of Sigma Theta Tau which are: 1) to foster high professional standards; 2) to strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the profession; and 3) to provide support, including funding, to other organizations exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. WAAHouston is an organization exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Since our chapter is also a Section 501(c)(3) organization we raise funds for WAAHouston and a portion of what we raise is given back to our chapter. Our partnership with WAAHouston is a wonderful service opportunity and a fundraiser for our Beta Beta Houston chapter.