50 Facts About Wreaths Across America

The Origins of Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America (WAA) began with a simple yet powerful gesture. This section covers the early days and foundational moments that shaped the organization.

1. Founding Year: Wreaths Across America was founded in 2007 by Morrill Worcester, his family, veterans, and other groups who had been part of the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

2. Mission: The mission is to "Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom."

3. Initial Wreaths: In 1992, Morrill Worcester donated 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery, starting the tradition.

4. Viral Sensation: A photo of wreaths in the snow taken in 2005 went viral, drawing attention and inspiring participation.

5. 501(c)(3) Status: In 2007, Wreaths Across America became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to expand the wreath-laying ceremony.

Growth and Expansion

From a single act of kindness to a nationwide movement, WAA has grown exponentially. This section highlights the expansion milestones.

6. Expansion: By 2008, over 300 locations held ceremonies in every state, Puerto Rico, and 24 overseas cemeteries, placing over 100,000 wreaths.

7. Congressional Recognition: In 2008, Congress declared the third Saturday in December as National Wreaths Across America Day.

8. Millionth Wreath: In 2012, the millionth wreath was placed at Arlington National Cemetery.

9. Every Headstone Honored: By 2014, WAA achieved its goal of placing a wreath at every headstone in Arlington National Cemetery, totaling 227,000 wreaths.

10. 25th Anniversary: In 2016, WAA celebrated 25 years of placing veterans' wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery.

International Reach

WAA's mission has crossed borders, honoring veterans worldwide. This section covers the organization's international efforts.

11. Overseas Expansion: In 2018, WAA placed 9,387 veterans' wreaths at the Normandy-American Cemetery in France.

12. 30th Anniversary: In 2021, WAA marked 30 years of placing veterans' wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery.

13. Participating Locations: By 2022, WAA included more than 3,700 locations across the United States and its territories.

14. Volunteer Participation: In 2022, over two million volunteers participated in Wreaths Across America Day, with more than a third being children.

15. Wreath Delivery: At Arlington National Cemetery, 68 tractor trailers delivered over 257,000 veterans' wreaths, placed by nearly 28,000 volunteers.

Logistics and Support

The logistics behind WAA are monumental. This section delves into the support systems and partnerships that make it all possible.

16. Transportation Partners: In 2022, hundreds of volunteer and professional truck drivers from approximately 296 transportation partners delivered 644 loads of wreaths.

17. Theme 2023: The theme for WAA in 2023 was "Serve & Succeed," focusing on stories of veterans and military families who found success through service.

18. Total Wreaths Placed: In 2022, a total of 2.7 million veterans' wreaths were placed across the country.

19. Volunteer Effort: Nearly 28,000 volunteers were involved in placing these wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery alone.

20. Wreath Placement Ceremony: The ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery involves coordination of multiple logistics and volunteers.

Honoring the Fallen

WAA's ceremonies are deeply meaningful, honoring those who served. This section covers the traditions and significance of these events.

21. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: The ceremony often includes a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, symbolizing respect for all fallen soldiers.

22. Veterans' Involvement: Many veterans and Gold Star families help prepare, ship, and place the wreaths on graves.

23. Community Engagement: WAA engages with local communities through events and ceremonies, fostering unity and respect for fallen heroes.

24. Educational Component: The organization aims to teach the next generation about the value of freedom and sacrifices made by veterans.

25. Non-Profit Status: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, WAA relies on donations and public support to continue its mission.

Leadership and Governance

Strong leadership and governance have been crucial to WAA's success. This section highlights the key figures and organizational structure.

26. Board of Directors: The organization is governed by a board of directors, ensuring the mission is carried out effectively.

27. Executive Director: Karen Worcester, the Executive Director, has been instrumental in the organization's growth and success.

28. Annual Events: WAA hosts annual events across the country, including National Wreaths Across America Day on the third Saturday in December.

29. Local Ceremonies: Local ceremonies are held at various cemeteries and memorials, often involving community members and veterans.

30. Overseas Participation: A few dozen locations overseas participate in Wreaths Across America Day, honoring veterans from different countries.

Special Locations and Stories

Certain locations and stories hold special significance for WAA. This section covers some of these unique aspects.

31. Normandy-American Cemetery: In 2018, WAA placed 9,387 veterans' wreaths at the Normandy-American Cemetery to honor those who died during World War II's D-Day invasion.

32. Historical Significance: The placement of wreaths at Normandy-American Cemetery recognizes the sacrifices made during World War II.

33. Veterans' Stories: WAA focuses on sharing stories of veterans and military families who found success through their service.

34. Local Volunteers: The organization highlights local volunteers who contribute to the success of Wreaths Across America Day.

35. Service Impact: The theme "Serve & Succeed" underscores the positive impact of service on individuals and communities.

Recognition and Support

WAA has received widespread recognition and support. This section covers the various forms of acknowledgment and assistance the organization has garnered.

36. Congressional Proclamation: Since 2008, Congress has proclaimed a Saturday in December as National Wreaths Across America Day.

37. Wreath Production: Wreaths are produced by various tree farms and manufacturers, with many donated or sold to support the mission.

38. Logistical Effort: Delivering and placing millions of wreaths involves complex planning and coordination, often relying on volunteer truck drivers and transportation partners.

39. Ceremony Traditions: The wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery involves placing wreaths on headstones and reciting names of fallen soldiers.

40. Gold Star Families: Gold Star families, who have lost loved ones in military service, are often involved in the wreath-laying ceremonies.

Community and Educational Initiatives

WAA's impact extends beyond wreath-laying. This section covers community involvement and educational programs.

41. Veterans' Organizations: Groups like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars support WAA by providing volunteers and resources.

42. Trucking Industry Support: The trucking industry plays a crucial role in delivering wreaths, with many companies donating equipment and fuel.

43. Community Involvement: WAA encourages community involvement by providing resources and support for local ceremonies.

44. Educational Programs: The organization offers programs aimed at teaching children about the importance of remembering and honoring veterans.

45. Annual Recap: Each year, WAA releases a recap of its activities, highlighting the number of wreaths placed, volunteers involved, and locations participating.

Media and Fundraising

Media coverage and fundraising are vital for WAA's mission. This section covers how the organization engages with the public and raises funds.

46. Social Media Engagement: WAA engages with the public through social media, sharing updates, stories, and photos from various ceremonies.

47. Donations and Fundraising: The organization relies on donations and fundraising efforts, often partnering with businesses and organizations.

48. Corporate Partnerships: WAA has partnerships with various corporations to support its mission, including providing resources and funding for events and logistics.

49. Media Coverage: The organization has received extensive media coverage, including national news outlets and local media.

50. Legacy and Impact: WAA has created a national movement to remember, honor, and teach the value of freedom, inspiring countless individuals and communities to participate in this meaningful tradition.

Honoring Heroes, Teaching Freedom

Wreaths Across America isn't just an event; it's a movement. Founded in 2007 by Morrill Worcester, this nonprofit has grown from a small gesture to a nationwide tradition. Each December, millions of volunteers lay wreaths on veterans' graves, remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve, and teaching the next generation about freedom's value. From its humble beginnings with 5,000 wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery to placing 2.7 million wreaths across 3,700 locations in 2022, the impact is undeniable. The organization's mission resonates deeply, involving veterans, Gold Star families, and communities. With themes like "Serve & Succeed," Wreaths Across America continues to inspire and educate. It's a testament to the power of collective effort and the enduring respect for those who sacrificed for our freedom. Join this meaningful tradition and make a difference.