A Family’s First Experience with Wreaths Across America
This year, our family had the honor of participating in Wreaths Across America for the first time at Oakwood Cemetery in Concord, NC. As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, this experience held deep personal meaning for me, and I’m so grateful we shared it together as a family.
We didn’t really know what to expect as we drove to the event. We half expected to be one of a small cadre of volunteers who would shuttle dozens of wreaths across the cemetery. When we arrived, we discovered a street lined with cars and parked a block away. We could see a large crowd gathering and several uniformed veterans. We were excited to see the broad community support.
A Moving Ceremony
The ceremony was incredibly moving from the very beginning. The air was crisp, and as we gathered shoulder to shoulder with other families and volunteers, there was a shared sense of respect and gratitude for the veterans we were there to honor. A moment of silence allowed us all to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many, and it was hard not to feel the weight of that moment.
The Mission of Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a national organization with a mission to remember, honor, and teach. Every December, they coordinate wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and over 3,700 locations across the United States, at sea, and abroad. The program began in 1992 when Morrill Worcester, owner of a wreath company in Maine, donated surplus wreaths to Arlington. Over the years, his vision expanded into a nationwide initiative to honor fallen veterans.
The Event at Oakwood Cemetery in Concord, NC
At Oakwood Cemetery, the event was thoughtfully organized. Families of veterans were invited to head to the gravesites of their loved ones after the opening ceremony. As they made their way through the cemetery, a bugler played “Taps,” and the beautiful notes echoed across the grounds, adding a sense of reverence that filled the air. I stood there with my husband and teenage son, reflecting on the service of my own father and the many others who gave so much for our country.
A Beautiful Backdrop for Remembrance
Oakwood Cemetery is one of the participating locations for Wreaths Across America, and this year, nearly 1,200 live wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves. The cemetery, with its rolling hills and stately trees, provided a solemn yet beautiful backdrop for the event. Volunteers and family members are asked to pause as they place each wreath, to say the name of the veteran aloud and to thank them for their service. This act of remembrance is a key part of the Wreaths Across America mission. As they say, “A person dies twice: once when they take their last breath, and again when their name is spoken for the last time.”
Placing the Wreaths: A Family Tradition in the Making
When it was time to place the wreaths, we took turns as a family. My son, my husband, and I each quietly said the name of the veteran and “thank you for your service,” as we laid the wreaths. It was such a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering those who served and the impact it has on all of us. Having my teenage son there made it even more special. I wanted him to understand the significance of honoring our veterans, especially since his grandfather, my dad, is a Vietnam veteran. It was a beautiful way to teach him about respect, remembrance, and gratitude.
The Broader Impact of Wreaths Across America
The history and mission of Wreaths Across America make it a unique and impactful program. Beyond the wreath-laying ceremonies, the organization works year-round to educate younger generations about the value of freedom and the sacrifices made to preserve it. They partner with schools, veterans’ organizations, and civic groups to share stories of service and heroism, ensuring that the legacy of America’s veterans is never forgotten.
A New Family Tradition
This was our first year participating, but it will definitely become a family tradition. Wreaths Across America is an experience I’m proud to have shared with my family, and I can’t wait to do it again next year. It was a touching way to honor my father and all veterans, and it was a moment I’ll hold dear for years to come.
