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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.
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Introduction

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.

History of ​National Wreaths Across America Day

​National Wreaths Across America Day Dates

​National Wreaths Across America Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origin of the Tradition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Maine businessman Morrill Worcester donates 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery, initiating this tradition of honoring fallen servicemen and women.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Media Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>A photo of the snow-covered wreaths at Arlington goes viral, bringing much-needed attention and recognition to the effort.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of Wreaths Across America</div><div class='timeline-text'>The non-profit organization, Wreaths Across America, is formed to continue and expand Morrill's mission of remembering, honoring and teaching about our veterans.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Wreaths in Every State</div><div class='timeline-text'>For the first time in its history, Wreaths Across America successfully lays over 100,000 wreaths at veterans' cemeteries in every state.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Congress officially recognizes National Wreaths Across America Day as a nationwide event, further solidifying the tradition's place in American culture.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate ​National Wreaths Across America Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities have wreath-laying ceremonies that take place around the holidays.  Consider volunteering to help decorate a wreath or assist with the ceremony.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Fundraise for wreaths</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a wreath drive</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather donations of wreaths from your community and organize a drive to deliver them to cemeteries in need.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Arrange a field trip</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Send care packages</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Send care packages to troops serving overseas with a note of thanks, in honor of National Wreaths Across America Day.</p></div></div>

Why We Love ​National Wreaths Across America Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors veterans</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a way to show respect</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings communities together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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!</p></div></div>

5 Revealing Facts about Wreaths Across America Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Wreaths Across America Maintains a Year-Round Mission</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite the December-focused event, the organization's mission to honor veterans operates every day of the year, emphasizing its motto – Remember, Honor, Teach – tirelessly.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It All Starts in Maine with a Convoy</h3><p class='facts-content'>The annual tradition kicks off with a week-long convoy in Maine which makes its way to Arlington National Cemetery, stopping at schools, memorials, and veteran-centric events along the way.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Dedication for Each Branch of the Military</h3><p class='facts-content'>The ceremony includes a wreath for each branch of the military, as well as for POW/MIAs. This emphasizes unity and honors every corner of military service.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Honoring Veterans Worldwide</h3><p class='facts-content'>While recognized mostly in America, Wreaths Across America has extended to foreign cemeteries that inter American veterans, showing respect to fallen heroes globally.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Getting Better Year by Year</h3><p class='facts-content'>The number of participating locations, volunteers, and wreaths laid has continually increased since its inception, reflecting growing awareness and appreciation for this cause.</p></div></div>

​National Wreaths Across America Day FAQs

When is ​National Wreaths Across America Day?

​National Wreaths Across America Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Dec 15

Friday

2024

Dec 20

Friday

2025

Dec 19

Friday

2026

Dec 18

Friday

2027

Dec 17

Friday

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