Wreaths Across America mobile museum visits Harford Mall

A 48-foot trailer encompassing an expansive interactive museum visited the Harford Mall in Bel Air on Wednesday. It was organized by Wreaths Across America in partnership with the American Legion Post 39.

The mobile museum offered visitors the opportunity to learn more about the lives and legacies of the nation’s military service members through interactive exhibits that honor fallen veterans.

The event began with a kick-off ceremony featuring Harford County Executive Barry Glassman, APG Senior Commander Major General Robert L. Edmonson II, Chairman of the Harford County Commission on Veterans’ Affairs Bob Brown and Wreaths Across America employee Stefan Brann.

It also included a Welcome Home Ceremony, where 11 local Vietnam Veterans were honored and received pins.

“I came out today because I feel it is important to show respect our veterans who are still alive,” Jill Hamilton, an attendee and daughter of a Vietnam veteran, told The Aegis. “My father passed in 2006 and if he were alive he would have loved this and loved to come to this, so I came to honor his memory and show respect.’

Fliers distributed at the museum advertised National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 18, and gave information about how residents can get involved in local celebrations and help honor local fallen heroes.

The organization placed more than 1.7 million wreaths at 2,557 locations all over the U.S. in 2020, including the Bel Air Memorial Gardens and a number of other nearby cemeteries, according to a news release. The non-profit organization that has been placing wreaths on veterans’ headstones at Arlington National Cemetery since 1992.