Wreaths Across America's Kid's Corner Presents Dehlia and Kenny Elbe


The three objectives of the Wreaths Across America mission are to remember our fallen heroes, honor those who currently serve, and teach younger generations the value of freedom. It’s that last objective that most would agree is vital. President Ronald Reagan may have said it best when he said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

More and more families participate with Wreaths Across America in wreath-laying ceremonies across the country, and about a third of the organizations’ volunteers are young people. In Kid’s Corner, Wreaths Across America recognizes youth volunteers who step up to do their part making sure no hometown hero is forgotten. You can read about their efforts in our monthly newsletter, hear more of their actual interview on Wreaths Radio on Friday mornings, and check out some of their photos on our Facebook pages.

This Kid’s Corner feature highlights the dedication of a sister and brother who have grown up as members of the Tyson Foods family. 13-year old Kenny and 14-year old Dehlia Elbe have been taking turns traveling from Pennsylvania to Maine with their father, professional driver Kenny Elbe, a Tyson Foods Cook Team member. Dehlia and Kenny take turns each year traveling with their dad as a member of the cook team.

Upon meeting Dehlia and Kenny, Wreaths Across America volunteers and staff were impressed by their maturity, manners, and incredible work ethic. It was clear both of these young people were not just “stuck with dad” on a trip to Maine. “I go up every two years, and it’s really an amazing thing to do. We don’t just sit around up there,” Kenny shared. “We feed the drivers who come up to get the wreaths. Three meals a day, and we don’t leave until everyone else leaves to make sure they’ve all been fed.”  The Tyson team prepares meals for hundreds of volunteers over a two to three-week period of time as drivers from across the country come to Maine to pick up their load of veterans’ wreaths. The Elbe kids work like crazy in the kitchen, bussing tables and serving dinners at the driver’s check-in. Their service to others is always complete with a smile and warm greeting.

Dehlia shared fond memories of her experiences as a Wreaths Across America volunteer and said her involvement shaped her understanding of patriotism. She was selected by the Wreaths Across America Founder, Morrill Worcester, to help place the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and it was very emotional for her and her family. “I entered an essay contest where we had to explain what patriotism meant to us,” Dehlia explained. “I talked about Wreaths Across America and their motto to remember, honor, teach. I won third place for my essay and got fifty dollars. I love going up to Maine and going to the museum. It’s always like you find something new every time you go. Miss Nancy Willey will give me the tour up there and she is the sweetest lady. She knows just about everything about that museum there is to know.”

Once the Annual Wreath Escort to Arlington National Cemetery is on the road, and the last of the drivers have been fed, the Tyson Cook Team packs up, but that’s not the end of their commitment. “At our home cemetery, we do this little convoy,” Kenny offered as further testament to their volunteer service with Wreaths Across America. “We stop at three places to place wreaths. Two are memorials, and our final stop is at our cemetery. You always get to hear a ton of cool stories from those who served, and it strengthens your belief in what they’ve done. They sacrificed to serve and protect me. Now I want to serve to protect them.”

Thanks, Kenny and Dehlia, for living up to their legacy as we remember, honor, and teach. You can hear more from our youth volunteers in our Kid’s Corner special reports on Fun Fridays at 9:15 AM EST during the Wreaths Across America Morning Show with Michael W. Hale.