Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring U.S. military veterans by placing evergreen wreaths on their graves each December, bringing communities together to remember the men and women who served the nation. The effort began in 1992 when Morrill Worcester, owner of a wreath company in Maine, donated surplus wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery. Photographs of the quiet, solemn ceremony drew national attention, and the tradition continued to grow in the years that followed. In 2007, Wreaths Across America was formally established as a nonprofit organization.
Today, the organization coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at thousands of cemeteries across the United States and abroad. It operates under a three-part mission: to remember the fallen, honor those who have served and continue to serve, and teach future generations the value of freedom. Each wreath represents a life lived in service, and volunteers are encouraged to say the veteran’s name aloud as the wreath is placed, reinforcing the belief that those who served are remembered as individuals, not statistics.
Ceremonies are held annually on National Wreaths Across America Day, observed on a Saturday in December. Volunteers of all ages gather at participating cemeteries to lay wreaths, attend brief ceremonies and reflect on the sacrifices made by service members and their families. Events are free and open to the public. Locally, Sealy High School Student Council, Interact Club and National Honor Society hosted a Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday, December 13, 2025, to honor veterans laid to rest in the San Felipe and St. Mary’s Frydek cemeteries. The student-led effort set a goal of sponsoring a wreath for each of the 231 veterans buried at the two cemeteries. On Wreaths Across America Day, Sealy High School students personally placed the wreaths, ensuring each veteran was recognized and remembered.
Individuals and groups can participate by sponsoring wreaths, volunteering at local cemeteries, or supporting fundraising efforts through schools, veterans organizations, civic groups and churches. While Arlington National Cemetery remains the most widely recognized location, wreaths are placed at veterans cemeteries and local burial grounds nationwide. Through its growing network of volunteers and supporters, Wreaths Across America continues its mission to ensure the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans are honored and remembered each year.
