It’s a spectacular sight to see: On a Saturday in December every year, more than 30,000 volunteers place more than 260,000 wreaths at every grave site and niche column at Arlington National Cemetery.
“On this special day, participants engage in the meaningful act of remembrance and connect with the living history of Arlington National Cemetery, gaining insights into America’s past through all those laid to rest in these hallowed grounds,” says Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of the Office of Army Cemeteries.
And it doesn’t just happen at Arlington. This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, December 13, in 5,200 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea, and abroad. The organization’s mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom through its over 4 million volunteers and supporters annually.
“It’s a real labor of love,” says Amber Caron, spokeswoman for Wreaths Across America. “The reason why it continues to grow is because when people participate, it’s such a meaningful experience — it’s been this ripple effect.”
Giving Back to Communities
More than 7,000 community groups partner with Wreaths Across America. Caron says $5 per wreath is given back to the groups.
“Since 2007, Wreaths Across America has given back over $25 million to other nonprofits,” Caron says.
Every wreath is made up of 10 balsam bouquets, representing 10 qualities veterans embody: their belief in a greater good, love for each other, strength, honesty, humility, ambitions, optimism, concern, pride, and hopes and dreams.
You can volunteer or sponsor a $17 wreath at wreathsacrossamerica.org.
How to Help
In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, wreath-laying events will be held across NoVA on December 13. Organizers say wreath sponsorships and volunteers are needed at the following locations:
Alexandria National Cemetery, Alexandria
Columbia Gardens Cemetery, Arlington
Morrisville United Methodist Church, Bealeton
St. Mary’s Historical Church Cemetery, Fairfax Station
Oakwood Cemetery, Falls Church
Wren-Darne Cemetery, Falls Church
Chestnut Grove Cemetery, Herndon
Ball’s Bluff National Cemetery, Leesburg
Buckhall Community Cemetery, Manassas
Stonewall Memory Gardens, Manassas
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Manassas
North Hill Carter Family Cemetery, Purcellville
Ketoctin Baptist Church Cemetery, Purcellville
North Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, Purcellville
National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico, Quantico
Trinity Church Cemetery, Upperville
Feature image by Elizabeth Fraser
This story originally ran in our December 2024 issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
