This Saturday, Dec. 16, volunteers will place holiday wreaths to honor and remember America’s Veterans at more than 100 VA national cemeteries as part of the annual Wreaths Across America event.
Now in its 12th year at VA national cemeteries and state Veterans cemeteries, the Wreaths Across America campaign was created by the Worcester Wreath Co. when it began donating wreaths to VA’s national cemeteries and state Veterans cemeteries in 2006.
“This annual tribute to our nation’s Veterans is more than just a patriotic activity,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “Wreaths Across America is an opportunity for VA to partner with key organizations as we honor those laid to rest in VA’s cemeteries.”
Each year, VA’s 135 VA national cemeteries receive the following: at least seven wreaths, to include one for each of the five branches of the military, one for the Merchant Marines and one for prisoners of war and those missing in action. Additionally, community and Veterans service organizations as well as local businesses have raised money for additional holiday, or “remembrance wreaths” for gravesites.
The Wreaths Across America ceremonies align with VA’s National Cemetery Administration’s mission to increase public awareness by sharing the stories of America’s Veterans through research, education and community commemoration.
All are encouraged to visit a VA national cemetery Dec. 16 to help place wreaths and honor the nation’s Veterans this holiday season.
For a listing of Wreaths Across America ceremonies at VA’s national cemeteries, visit the National Cemetery Administration’s website.
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VA remains open for business and is closely monitoring the Change Healthcare (CHC) cybersecurity incident.
Carry The Load, an organization dedicated to remembering the fallen, will visit 34 VA National Cemeteries traveling 20,000 miles along five separate routes covering all continental 48 states known as the National Relay for Memorial May 2024.
Over the five-year program, more than 14,000 VET TEC beneficiaries completed their program and nearly half have reported finding meaningful employment with an average starting annual salary of $65,000.
This was my first year to participate with the laying of wreaths. I was awestruck with the wonderful attendance by Houstonians at The Veterans National Cemetery! Being a veteran myself, I felt very humble and blessed to be able to help. Thanks to the volunteer drivers who made the long drive to make the wreaths be on time! The local support from Houstonians was very, very much appreciated.
James R Daley, MSgt, USAF Retired
These are not holiday wreaths since they are in Christmas colors. Why not red, white and blue which are national colors?
Why is this just being advertised after the fact? My Dad is buried in a National Cemetery and I would loved to have been a part of this.
I wasn’t able to be at ANC, but a friend placed a wreath on my Army Wifes grave and he took a video and posted it for me. Very Special friend.
Unfortunately not all graves received wreaths. Very sad, was it lack of funding?
I certainly hope that this organization is not laying wreaths at the graves of our Jewish comrades.
I was one of the volunteers that help place over 2,700 wreaths at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
The ceremony was inspirational and conducted by a Civil Air Patrol Squadron. As we laid the wreaths, we said the
person’s name as a way to honor them. I just wish it got more press so that there would be more donations. As a
retiree, it is important to remember those who have served.
I look forward to participating with Wreaths Across America, at the Arlington National Ceremony. The BC Veterans Alumni Network will be meeting at the McCellan Gate at 8:30 am, and I will be sharing in wreath layings with my fellow alumni and friends. Hope to see others and share in the salute to our deceased veterans.