Wreaths Across America Honors US Veterans

How one couple’s act of patriotism turned into a national annual event

Both young and old appreciate the wreaths provided to national, state, and community cemeteries across the country. Courtesy of Wreaths Across America

In 2008, more than 60,000 volunteers placed 100,000 wreaths on veterans’ headstones nationwide. Recognizing the impact, the U.S. Congress unanimously voted to declare National Wreaths Across America Day to be held annually on the second or third Saturday of December.

A total of 60,000 volunteers and 100,000 wreaths didn’t just come together overnight. It was a grassroots movement that started with a married couple’s desire to honor our nation’s deceased veterans in December 1992.