Holiday Wreaths to be Laid at the Pentagon to Honor Veterans as Part of "Walmart Gives Back" Holiday Giving Campaign

Walmart Helps Wreaths Across America Lay 16,000 Wreaths at National Cemeteries Across the United States

The Pentagon (Arlington, Va.) - Wreaths Across America and Walmart will recognize the sacrifices of 9/11 victims and veterans from the Washington, DC metro area with a wreath laying ceremony at the Pentagon today. During the ceremony, volunteers at the Pentagon will display wreaths in remembrance of those who have lost their lives. December 12 is National Wreath-Laying Day.

The ceremony at the Pentagon is part of “Walmart Gives Back,” a $1.1 million holiday giving initiative by Walmart to honor fallen heroes and provide support for military families. This effort includes a $150,000 donation that will help Wreaths Across America purchase, transport and lay 16,000 wreaths at five national cemeteries and memorial sites across the United States, including the Pentagon, as well as Arlington National Cemetery, Fayetteville National Cemetery, Battery Park - “A Mile of Memories” in New York City and the memorial site for Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa.

“Our mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “This is the second year that Walmart has generously donated wreaths, trucks, and resources – and we are proud to work with Walmart to show our gratitude to those who served and sacrificed.”

“Walmart has a history of supporting our troops. This holiday season, we recognize the sacrifices of our deployed servicemen and women – and their families back at home,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. “We know that many military families have a tough time during the holidays. They miss their loved ones who are away, and we hope that our efforts will make their holiday easier and better.”

To further support military families in need this holiday season and part of the “Walmart Gives Back” initiative, Walmart will provide toys and books for 10,000 military children in markets that top the Pentagon’s list of cities with the highest troop deployment. Walmart gift cards will also be given to more than 1,500 military families in 30 cities and 1,000 gift packages will be given to the caregivers of wounded military.

For more information on Walmart Gives Back, visit www.walmartgiving.com.

About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart – and its domestic and international foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America began in 2006 as an offshoot of the Arlington National Cemetery wreath project, which was started in 1992 with the annual placement of wreaths donated by Worcester Wreath Co. Today, it is a monumental initiative, with partners like Walmart, Civil Air Patrol, the Patriot Guard Riders, the Maine State Society of Washington, D.C., and other veterans’ groups participating, not to mention the tens of thousands of private citizens who sponsor wreaths for the wreath-laying ceremonies. For more information, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.