As part of its ongoing mission to honor the men and women committed to protecting and serving our nation, the Cathedral of the Pines — a nationally recognized war memorial — has teamed up with several local vendors to give one deserving active duty or reserve member of the U.S. armed forces a free wedding “Happily Ever After for Heroes” package.

The Cathedral of the Pines was created in 1945 by the Sloane family of Rindge to honor their son who was killed in action during World War II.

Twelve years later, in 1957, after tireless lobbying efforts by Dr. and Mrs. Sloane, the U.S. Congress officially recognized the Altar of the Nation at the Cathedral of the Pines as, ‘a memorial to all American war dead.’

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“This is an exciting milestone for us as 2017 marks 60 years since the United States Congress recognized our Altar of the Nation as a memorial to America’s fallen heroes.

It seems fitting to everyone here that we take this opportunity to get back to our founding vision and pay tribute to those Americans who give so much for our Nation,” said Laurie Kandoll, executive director at the Cathedral of the Pines.

The chance to win is open to members of all branches of the military — Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the National Guard — with New Hampshire residency.

In order to be awarded the wedding package, individuals should visit www.Cathedralofthepines.org/heroeswedding where they can submit an essay of up to 500 words explaining why they should be chosen to receive our wedding giveaway package, along with a photo or video.

Nominations may be submitted beginning Jan. 2, 2017, through Jan. 20, 2017. No entries will be accepted after 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 20.

Three finalists will be chosen and profiled on www.cathedralofthepines.org and related social media pages. The winner will be notified on February 14 and announced on the Cathedral of the Pines website and Facebook page.

The wedding will take place in the main Sanctuary at the Altar of the Nation at the Cathedral of the Pines on May 27, 2017.

Couples submitting entries must be available and willing to have their wedding ceremony on May 27. Additional vendors will be added to the list throughout the month of January, but confirmed partners currently include:

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