The Daughters of the American Revolution will partner with Wreaths Across America to host the second annual 5K charity run for veterans at the Hillsdale American Legion on Oct. 22. 

The money raised will aid the Hillsdale chapters of WAA and DAR to lay wreaths on the graves of every veteran who lies in the Oak Grove and Lakeside Cemeteries, where more than 1,000 veterans are buried.    

The run, which will take place at 2 p.m, is open to both runners and walkers. 

This is the last race of the Hillsdale, Lenawee, Branch tri-county series. The winner of this series will receive an award, but all participants will earn a T-shirt for their participation.   

The Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit group made of women who can trace their lineage back to soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War.

Ann Schmidt, regent of the Hillsdale chapter, detailed the objectives of the organization.

“The three priorities of the Daughters of the American Revolution are historic preservation, education, and veterans,” she said.    

Wreaths Across America has similar goals. 

“We want to make sure that every veteran has a wreath on their grave,” said Dianne Paul, location coordinator of WAA and new member of the DAR. “Our goal is to pay respects to the soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and their families as well.”  

Last year, the event drew out more than 200 participants, yet both WAA and DAR are hoping for even more people in attendance at this year’s 5k.

The money from the 5k will go towards buying wreaths for the veteran’s graves. The wreaths cost $17 each, and in order to offset the cost, the organizations are hoping for lots of community participation. 

The WAA and DAR often work together, as their missions are tightly aligned. Together with the American Legion, Ann Schmidt said, “these three programs work tirelessly to support American patriotism”.  

WAA reached out to Barb Beach last year to feature her brother, who was killed in the line of duty in Vietnam. This year, she will be presenting the Gold Star to military families who have also lost loved ones serving their country.  

The money will be raised on Oct. 22 at the race, but the wreath laying ceremony will take place Dec. 17 at 12 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery. The ceremony is open to the public, and both organizations encourage all to attend. Jeffery “Chief” Rogers, associate dean of men at Hillsdale College, will emcee the wreath-laying ceremony.  

The sign-up is available on runsignup.com. It costs $25 ahead of time, and $30 the day of the run.