Our Brunswick Town Daughters of the American Revolution chapter has supported Wreaths Across America for over thirteen years. Our publicity committee and chairman plus our treasurer worked very hard this year to achieve the number of wreaths that were purchased for our chapter. Our chapter donated 154 wreaths which were placed on Veterans graves on December 17, 2022. Over 26 other groups sponsored WAA and were able to assist with the donations. Plus many people just ordered wreaths through the Wreaths Across America website. We are so happy that there was a Wreath on every grave. There were 5,312 wreaths sponsored for Wilmington National Cemetery which was exceeded by 140 wreaths.
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Brunswick Town DAR Members pose for a snapshot at the Wreaths Across America Ceremony on December 17, 2022 at Wilmington National Cemetery.
Brunswick Town DAR members pose for a photo with a SAR member in uniform.
National Wreaths Across America Day has a simple mission: “Remember fallen U.S. veterans; honor those who serve; and teach your children the value of freedom.” This important day is an annual event that takes place every third Saturday in December at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as other cemeteries in the U.S., at sea, and abroad. Wreaths are laid as family and friends remember both those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who currently serve in the armed forces.
NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY TIMELINE
1992
Surplus holiday wreaths launched a patriotic tradition
When Karen and Morrill Worcester of Harrington, Maine discovered a 5,000-wreath surplus at their Worcester Wreath Company, they enlisted their senator's help to place the wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery as a patriotic gesture.
December 13, 2008
Congress recognized National Wreaths Across America Day
National Wreaths Across America Day came to life with a unanimous congressional vote.
2011
Major battle sites honored
Wreaths Across America coordinated a series of wreath-laying ceremonies at 750 cemeteries and major battle sites — including the Pearl Harbor Memorial, Bunker Hill, Valley Forge, and 9/11 sites.
2012
Wreaths Across America hit a milestone
Wreaths Across America laid its one-millionth wreath at Arlington National Cemetery.
April 21, 2018
Honorary Patriot Award
During a gala evening, the founders of Wreaths Across America received the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Patriot Award — the highest award the organization can bestow on an individual during a special ceremony.
1.It remembers those who died for our freedom
Placing wreaths on the graves of fallen military members is an amazing gift of remembrance. On Wreaths Across America (WAA) Day, there’s an annual wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery — where friends and family can pay a special tribute to the lives of the people who are buried there. Plus, there’s a Remembrance Tree program affiliated with WAA's Museum in Harrington, Maine. Gold Star families come together for fellowship — as well as to harvest balsam tips that are later turned into wreaths.
2.It honors those who currently serve
National Wreaths Across America Day picks an annual theme that inspires various activities. This year’s theme is “Be Their Witness” — reminding us of the importance of telling the stories of those who have died. The theme is based on the inspirational story of Michael Strobl, a Marine who served in the Iraq War. When one of his comrades fell to enemy fire, Lt. Colonel Strobl demonstrated amazing loyalty by escorting the body back to Marine's hometown in Wyoming after the war.
3.It teaches young people the value of freedom
Wreaths Across America Day reminds children that freedom is precious. It's also important to pay homage to those who died protecting this country. WAA offers learning tools, and interactive media projects, and provides opportunities for schools and youth groups to participate in a wide variety of informational and patriotic activities. Go to this site for more information:
https://nationaltoday.com/national-wreaths-across-america-day/ Thank You National Today for providing all this information for our Brunswick Town DAR blog on Wreaths Across America.
NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY DATES
Year Date Day
2021 December 18 Saturday
2022 December 17 Saturday
2023 December 16 Saturday
2024 December 21 Saturday
2025 December 20 Saturday
