It happens each December: Volunteers and others place live wreaths on veterans’ gravesites in what has become a holiday tradition across the country, Wreaths Across America. The gesture brings a measure of comfort to grieving loved ones during what, for many, is a difficult time of year.
What Is Wreaths Across America?
Wreaths Across America (WAA) is a national nonprofit organization that coordinates the placement of wreaths on veterans' graves during the holiday season. The organization’s stated mission is “Remember, Honor, and Teach.” After getting its start from a small donation of surplus wreaths, it has grown into a nationwide effort involving thousands of volunteers every December.
When Is National Wreaths Across America Day?
National Wreaths Across America Day is observed on the second or third Saturday of December. In 2025, it will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13, with ceremonies beginning at noon EST at locations across the country, including Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
On the first "Wreaths Across America Day" in 2008, 60,000 volunteers placed more than 100,000 wreaths across the world. In 2014, Wreaths Across America reached its goal of placing a wreath on every one of the 226,525 gravesites at Arlington.
This year, it is expected that more than 2 million wreaths will be placed -- not just at local, national and military cemeteries, but also at veterans memorials and historic sites.
The evergreen wreaths symbolize eternal life, and their placement on graves is a gesture of honor and remembrance. Each wreath is meant to be laid with care, often accompanied by the speaking of the veteran’s name.
Wreaths Across America began in 1992 when Morrill Worcester, owner of a wreath company in Maine, had extra wreaths at the end of the holiday season. He arranged for them to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery with the help of his senator. The event was repeated quietly for years until a photo of the wreaths at Arlington went viral in 2005. In 2007, WAA was formally established as a nonprofit.
The annual wreath-laying has become a popular seasonal event as crowds flock to Arlington and other national cemetery locations nationwide.
How to Participate
There are several ways to take part in Wreaths Across America. Individuals and groups can volunteer, sponsor wreaths, donate to the organization or help raise awareness in their communities.
Volunteering
What do volunteers do at Wreaths Across America? Mostly, they assist with organizing events, unloading and distributing wreaths, placing them on graves, reading names aloud and supporting logistics. Some serve in planning roles as location coordinators or team leads. Others support local ceremonies or help clean up after the event.
Sponsoring a Wreath
How do you get a wreath on a veteran’s grave?
To have a wreath placed, you can sponsor one through the WAA website. You can select a specific location and, in some cases, request placement on a particular grave if the cemetery records allow.
How much does a wreath cost for Wreaths Across America?
Each wreath sponsorship costs $17. The cost covers production, transportation and support for organizing local ceremonies. Read more details about sponsoring a wreath.
Donations
How do I contribute to Wreaths Across America?
You can contribute by sponsoring wreaths, donating directly or organizing fundraisers. Donations support wreath production, veteran outreach and educational programming. Contributions can be made through the WAA website’s donation page.
The organization is a 501(c)(3), and donations are tax deductible. Read more about WAA’s nonprofit status.
CharityWatch, an independent nonprofit organization that evaluates and rates charitable organizations, gave WAA a “question mark” rating in December 2023. Questions have been raised about "the close relationship between the nonprofit Wreaths Across America, the for-profit Worcester Wreath Co. and family members who run both," The Courier-News of Bridgewater, New Jersey, reported in December 2024.
The Impact of Wreaths Across America
Despite the financial questions, the Wreaths Across America tradition remains important and meaningful for countless families.
A description of an emotional WAA event was shared in 2011 by the Guidon, the official newspaper of the Fort Leonard Wood Army installation in the Missouri Ozarks.
Shots from a three-volley salute pierced the cold air that December morning at the Fort Leonard Wood cemetery, followed by a taps rendition, according to the Guidon report. A Gold Star mother, Pamela Hengen, then spoke of her son, Pfc. Matthew England, who'd been buried there the previous summer.
"This time of year is hard for those of us who have lost someone, and it helps bring some comfort knowing their sacrifice has not been forgotten," Hengen said after wreaths were placed on her son's headstone as well as on 131 other gravesites.
"This program is a way to honor and remember our fallen soldiers and veterans and their families," she continued. "It is so important to remember each and every one."
In 2024, volunteers placed over 2.7 million wreaths at more than 4,900 participating locations. The scale of the event reflects broad community support and a growing desire to honor veterans consistently and respectfully.
Rebecca Alwine, former Spouse & Family editor at Military.com, contributed to this report.
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