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National Wreaths Across America Day

Join us in honoring the fallen on National Wreaths Across America Day - lay wreaths at gravesites to pay tribute and remember their service.

Friday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEThird Friday in December

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCareers

SUBCATEGORYMilitary

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Show your support and appreciation for fallen heroes on National Wreaths Across America Day, which falls on the third Friday of December each year. This day has been observed since 1992 in honor of those who have lost their lives while serving our country. It's a beautiful way to commemorate their service and sacrifice by placing wreaths at veteran cemeteries around the United States. It is also a time to reflect on the freedoms we have thanks to these brave individuals, and to remember them with gratitude.

TIMELINE

National Wreaths Across America Day Timeline

Origin of the Tradition

Maine businessman Morrill Worcester donates 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery, initiating this tradition of honoring fallen servicemen and women.

Media Recognition

A photo of the snow-covered wreaths at Arlington goes viral, bringing much-needed attention and recognition to the effort.

Formation of Wreaths Across America

The non-profit organization, Wreaths Across America, is formed to continue and expand Morrill's mission of remembering, honoring and teaching about our veterans.

Wreaths in Every State

For the first time in its history, Wreaths Across America successfully lays over 100,000 wreaths at veterans' cemeteries in every state.

National Recognition

The U.S. Congress officially recognizes National Wreaths Across America Day as a nationwide event, further solidifying the tradition's place in American culture.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Wreaths Across America Day

Volunteer at a local event

Many cities have wreath-laying ceremonies that take place around the holidays. Consider volunteering to help decorate a wreath or assist with the ceremony.

FUNDRAISE

Fundraise for wreaths

Organize a fundraiser to help support the mission of placing wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes. This could be something as simple as a bake sale or as elaborate as a 5K race.

ORGANIZE

Organize a wreath drive

Gather donations of wreaths from your community and organize a drive to deliver them to cemeteries in need.

ARRANGE

Arrange a field trip

Plan an educational field trip for your students or community group to visit a local cemetery and learn about the importance of Wreaths Across America Day.

SEND

Send care packages

Send care packages to troops serving overseas with a note of thanks, in honor of National Wreaths Across America Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Wreaths Across America Day

It brings communities together

National Wreaths Across America Day is more than just a day of remembrance - it's an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and honor our veterans in a meaningful way. From schools, churches and businesses, people join hands to lay wreaths at gravesites across the nation - a great way to unite communities near and far!

It honors veterans

Wreaths Across America is an annual event that honors the brave men and women who have served our country in times of war and peace. By placing wreaths on gravesites, we remember those who sacrificed their lives and give thanks to their families for the ultimate sacrifice they have made.

It's a way to show respect

Placing wreaths on gravesites is a way to pay our respects to those who cannot be with us anymore, as well as show our gratitude and appreciation for all they did for our country. It's also a reminder to everyone of how valuable freedom really is.