National Wreaths Across America Day: Remember, Honor, Teach

Each December, Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 3,700 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. Wreaths Across America’s mission is to remember fallen U.S. Veterans, honor those who served, and teach children the value of freedom. This year, the commemoration, known as National Wreaths Across America Day, is Saturday, December 16^th.

The organization’s annual laying of wreaths is a meaningful holiday tradition that started in 1992 at Arlington National Cemetery. This tradition has grown into a national day of remembrance. In 2022, more than two million volunteers placed 2.7 million evergreen wreaths on military gravesites in national cemeteries across America. A third of the volunteers were children.

In 2023, USBA staff members will be among the volunteers placing these symbols of everlasting life on veterans’ graves at the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery in Kansas, a short drive from our national headquarters. In addition to volunteering, USBA is sponsoring 500 of the wreaths being laid to honor those who served our country.

Like USBA, companies, organizations, and individuals across the country contribute their time and money to Wreaths Across America, helping fuel and expand their efforts. Here are some ways you or your company can get involved and support the group’s mission:

• Sponsor a wreath (or have your employer)
• Volunteer to lay wreaths at a nearby cemetery
• Attend a ceremony on December 16
• Coordinate a new location
• Engage a child in the Wreaths Across America Curriculum
• Spread the word on social media