Honoring the Vietnam Memorial at Sacramento Leadership Experience
Dakota Graham and Faith Escoto, Sacramento Leadership Experience attendees and Grass Valley – Bear River FFA members, lay the wreath at the Vietnam War memorial center in Sacramento, Calif.
Bear River FFA members were honored to create the floral memorial piece for the Vietnam War memorial service that took place during the Sacramento Leadership Experience (SLE). The event, hosted by the California FFA Association, brought together members from across the state for leadership development and hands-on opportunities.
The group gathered materials at Flora Fresh in Sacramento, where they were able to take full control of the creative process.
Members go through the greens section at Flora Fresh Inc. to pick out their foliage for the wreath.
“It was cool to shop the materials ourselves, instead of us suggesting ideas and having our teacher order everything for delivery,” says a Bear River FFA member. “We were really cold in the fridge. It was a reminder that certain flowers only grow during certain seasons, and we had to pivot when something we wanted wasn’t in season or in stock.”
Choosing a color theme also presented challenges, as members debated between red, white and blue or the FFA colors of national blue and corn gold.
“It was kind of difficult because not a lot of the blue flowers were exactly what we were looking for, but we managed and it ended up looking really, really good,” says Audra Paasch. “I really liked the greenery that we used, and it was so awesome to get to work with an industry professional.”
As they began assembling the wreath, members practiced new techniques while working together to finalize the design.
“We learned how to make a super pretty bow,” says Wendy Fowler. “However, when we put it on the wreath, it didn’t sit exactly right. So, we tested it out a few times, but we figured that the wreath didn’t need the bow because it was already perfect how it was.”
Members were guided by a local industry professional, Mark Heer, who owns Forever Yours Flowers and Gift Shop. Heer taught them techniques and worked alongside them throughout the process of creating the wreath. Meanwhile, their teacher, Lauren Glomson, helped guide in the creation of mini bouquets.
Mini bouquets made by floral students and Grass Valley – Bear River FFA members.
Heer also taught students about the beauty of floral design and how it was the art where you could try again and again and again until you were satisfied. At the end of the day, its not permanent art, and that’s what makes it special — it’s about appreciating it while it lasts.
Mark Heer, owner of Forever Yours Flowers and Gift Shop, guiding students on the steps to make a wreath.
The completed wreath was displayed during the Vietnam War memorial service at SLE, honoring those who served. For Bear River FFA members, the experience was not only about floral design, but also about contributing to something meaningful through their work.
Finished result of the memorial wreath.
