Wrestling for Wreaths: Every grave at Alexandria National Cemetery deserves a wreath

Melinda Martinez, Alexandria Town Talk
·3 min read

The Cenla Chapter of Wreaths Across America wants to do something that has never been done before. They would like to Place a wreath on each of the 8,000 graves at Alexandria National Cemetery in Pineville on National Wreaths Across America Day this Dec. 17.

"We would love to do that," said Rose Waguespack Hayes, wreaths coordinator for the local chapter. "Last year we did raise funds for 1,876 which is the highest it's ever been."

To help them achieve their goal, the Randy James, director of marketing and promotion of the United Wrestling Entertainment (UWE), contacted Hayes a few months ago with an idea for a fundraising event - "Wrestling for Wreaths."

Stephanie Stuckey (far right) lays a wreath on a headstone at Alexandria National Cemetery in Pineville during a past Wreaths Across America event.
Stephanie Stuckey (far right) lays a wreath on a headstone at Alexandria National Cemetery in Pineville during a past Wreaths Across America event.

The professional wrestling event is set for Saturday, Aug. 27 at the Randolph Riverfront Center in downtown Alexandria. Doors open at 6 p.m. with Bell Time at 7pm. Tickets are available TicketBud.com. Under event, type Wrestling for Wreaths and it will take you to the page to purchase tickets, said Hayes. Tickets will also be for purchase at the door. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Cenla Chapter of Wreaths Across America. Tickets are $35 for ringside seats; $20 general admission; and $10 for children ages 3-12.

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"I was so relieved for them to reach out to help me," said Hayes. "Last year we had to do about 6 events to raise the money for 1,800 wreaths."

James said they are hopeful they can fill 1,400 seats, This will be the first big professional wrestling event held in three years in Alexandria. He added that they would like to host two wresting events a year.

Dannie Davis is the trainer and has been in the wrestling business for over 20 years, said his wife Dee Davis who is a promoter with UWE.

"He's always willing to help any veteran or any organization," said Dee Davis, promoter. "We just thought Wreaths Across America was a great organization and we wanted to do anything we could to help this chapter here."

Currently, about 21 wrestlers are signed up for the event, said Dannie. Some of the big names include WWF and NWA star Scott Putski, "Mr. Texas" Mark Von Erich, Global and NWA legend Dapper Dan, Mid South and WCCW star Black Bart and One Man Gang AKA Akeem The African Dream. Also making an appearance is legendary referee James Beard.

Other wrestlers will be coming in from Oklahoma, San Antonio, Dallas, Atlanta, Florida and Chicago. But there will be local faces wrestling as well, said Davis.For those who may not be able attend the event but want to donate to Wreaths Across America for the local chapter, Hayes said they can visit wreathsacrossamerica.org. Click the menu tab and go to "Search Locations/Groups." For groups search for "Wreaths From the Heart" which is Cenla Chapter of Wreaths Across America was called it started. For location, click Alexandria National Cemetery. Both will take you to the local sponsorship page for Alexandria National Cemetery.

Becoming emotional, Hayes said it feels bad not to be able to place a wreath on every grave in the cemetery.

"They are all heroes," she said. To fill it up would be amazing - emotionally amazing to anybody that's involved."

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Wrestling event aims for wreaths on all graves at Alexandria National Cemetery