Dedicated Archer Center Friend Honors Fallen Soldiers with Unique Wreaths

Dedicated Archer Center Friend Honors Fallen Soldiers with Unique Wreaths
Thursday, April 11, 2024

Four years ago, Jean Peterson was in search of a new hobby. She had recently downsized from her family home in Keene, Texas, to an apartment in assisted living.

“After three weeks at the new apartment, I was already bored—no dishes to wash or laundry to fold,” Peterson said. “So, I got on Pinterest for ideas and thought, ‘There must be something here I can do!’”

Peterson soon discovered she had a talent for wreath-making. She also found that the ancient art form provided a source of solace and expression following the death of her husband, Frank, a military veteran and former mayor of Keene.

“After getting started with my first few wreaths, I realized I still had some creative juices flowing. So, I just kept going. My craft room is my happy place,” Peterson said.

Thanks to a hometown connection between Peterson and Dr. Michelle Chin-Miller, the Archer Center’s academic director, Peterson designs and creates unique wreaths for the Archer Center to present at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. The solemn wreath-laying ceremony honors the sacrifices of America’s service members. Four Archer Fellows are selected to participate in the ceremony each term; past participants include student veterans, active-duty service members, and Archer Fellows with family ties to the military.

“We are very fortunate to share Mrs. Peterson’s art in commemorating the lives of U.S. service members,” said Chin-Miller.

Now 97 years old, Peterson proudly shares her talents by selling her wreaths on Facebook Marketplace. She also displays her work for neighbors to enjoy.

“A few days before my wreaths are picked up to go to Washington, D.C., I like to display them on my door and in our lobby,” Peterson said. “People here know about them. I enjoy making wreaths for the Archer Center. It is all done with love for these students.”

Caption: Mrs. Jean Peterson poses with her first Archer Center wreath in the summer of 2021.

Video produced by Spring 2024 Archer Fellow Drew Shaw (The University of Texas at Arlington)