Saturday was National Wreaths Across America. I donated a wreath and spent some time at the National Cemetery in New Albany last weekend in honor of the occasion. National Wreaths Across America is a heartfelt and patriotic tradition that takes place annually, bringing communities together to honor and remember the brave men and women who have served in every branch of the United States Armed Forces. This poignant event, marked by the laying of wreaths on the graves of veterans, symbolizes gratitude, remembrance, and a collective commitment to never forget the sacrifices made for freedom, but I believe it can be a wonderful opportunity to honor and remember our own beloved deceased loved ones, whether or not they were veterans.
The Origins of Wreaths Across America: The roots of Wreaths Across America trace back to the Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine. In 1992, the company’s owner, Morrill Worcester, found himself with a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. Inspired by a childhood visit to Arlington National Cemetery, he decided to honor veterans by placing the extra wreaths on graves at the cemetery’s older and less-visited sections. I ove that he took the time to visit and read the names of those who no longer have family or loved ones to visit. As a taphophile, (lover of cemeteries and tombstones) I am so honored to read the names and epitaphs on old forgotten head stones and memorials. A person doesn’t really die until their name is no longer spoken on Earth. I’m honored to speak their name and keep them alive a bit longer. Wreaths Across America allows communities to do the same.
This simple yet meaningful gesture of Worcester gained attention and traction over the years. In 2005, a photograph of the adorned graves at Arlington National Cemetery went viral, sparking a nationwide movement. Wreaths Across America was officially formed shortly thereafter as a non-profit organization, dedicated to expanding the initiative to cemeteries across the United States.
The 3 Core Values: Wreaths Across America operates under three core values: Remember, Honor, and Teach. These values encapsulate the essence of the program, emphasizing the importance of remembering the fallen, honoring their sacrifices, and teaching future generations about the cost of freedom. I believe our veterans will always deserved our earned respect, but also believe that remembering any and all of our dead and honoring the value of their lives, teaches us about the value of life and the inevitability of death. Recognizing our dead is important.
The focal point of this annual event is National Wreaths Across America Day, which occurred this past Saturday. On that day, local volunteers gathered at cemeteries nationwide, including the New Albany National Cemetery near my home, to lay wreaths on the graves of veterans, simultaneously participating in a synchronized ceremony.
The success of Wreaths Across America hinges on the engagement of communities and volunteers. Local organizations, schools, and individuals play a crucial role in fundraising, wreath preparation, and the actual placement on graves. The cemetery was packed on Saturday and people had to park blocks away. It was heartwarming to see. This collective effort fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility for honoring those who have died and those who have served, especially. I was honored to be a witness this year and will be volunteering to pay for and/or lay a wreath or two in the coming years. (If you’re interested in doing the same, look up Wreaths Across America to see how to get involved in your community.)
Impact and Reflection: Wreaths Across America has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings, with millions of wreaths laid at cemeteries throughout the country. But I encourage everyone to think about someone they would like to honor and remember this holiday season. Anyone can lay a wreath on any grave for the holidays and National Wreaths Across America Day doesn’t have to be the only day to do so. (Make sure you ask the cemetery what types and dimensions of wreath or arrangement are acceptable – natural, artificial, size, etc.) The impact extends beyond the physical act of placing wreaths; it serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by military personnel, the importance of expressing gratitude for their service and creates a tradition for including our beloved deceased in our holiday observations when done in conjunction with winter holidays.
Conclusion: National Wreaths Across America is a poignant and deeply meaningful tradition that unites communities in remembrance and gratitude. As wreaths are laid on the graves of veterans or you decorate the grave of a loved one, a collective commitment to honoring and teaching about our ancestry and our dead is renewed. This annual event stands as a testament to those who have defended the values and freedoms we hold dear, and/or who helped us become who we are today.
