Help Lay Wreaths at Alexandria National Cemetery Dec. 14

ALEXANDRIA, VA-Wreaths Across America is dedicated to keeping the memory of the fallen alive. The organization’s slogan -“Remember. Honor. Teach.” – fits its mission perfectly. Each year during holidays, volunteers, sponsors, and staff come together to lay wreaths at the graves of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

While Arlington National Cemetery is highly publicized for its wreath-laying ceremonies, Alexandria has a cemerety of its own where the same practice takes place. Volunteers are asked to come to Alexandria National Cemetery (1450 Willkes St.) on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9:30 a.m. to help lay wreaths at graves before Christmas and Hanukkah.

There is no need to sign up to volunteer. Before wreath laying begins, a special tribute with Civil Air Patrol cadets will occur. They will escort eight military service representatives (active duty, reservists or retirees) carrying ceremonial wreaths to hang at the cemetery’s flagpole railing.

Volunteers should form two lines outside the gates (and are asked to wait patiently for their turn).. They will be invited to enter and given one or more wreaths to place. Afterward, a second group will be invited to enter and do the same. The lengthy but orderly process will be repeated until all wreaths are placed.

Parking for those with disabilities will be available. No regular vehicles are allowed past 1300 Wilkes St. Organizers suggest using S. Payne St., with overflow at Lee Rec Center (1108 Jefferson St.)

A Wreaths Across America press release reported that as of Nov. 29, 2,573 wreaths have been allocated for the cemetry. It is still short by 1,656 to have one for each grave. Wreaths can be donated by clicking HERE. The deadline is Dec. 3. However, donations will be accepted after that date and simply used for next year.

The press release includes guidelines for laying wreaths. They follow in full:

Please take a moment to SAY THEIR NAME ALOUD as you lay each wreath to keep their memory alive.

Proper Wreath Placement on Graves

Upright headstones – Place wreath propped against an upright headstone with the top of the wreath (bow) centered on the headstone.

Flat headstones – Place wreath flat on ground with the top of the wreath (bow) centered at the base of the headstone.

Star of David emblem of belief
In accordance with and out of respect for Jewish custom, we ask that you do not place wreaths on the headstones of servicemembers with a Star of David. Please take a moment to stop and say their name, but do not place a wreath. (Important: If you come to a headstone with a Star of David and a wreath is already placed there, please leave it as this may have been placed directly by family or friends.)

Parents, guardians, and chaperones – Please communicate these instructions to your children participating today, to ensure they understand which gravesites should or should not receive a wreath.

Wreath Laying Procedure

1.       Receive the wreath and approach the headstone.

2.       Extend the wreath outward, offering it to the veteran.

3.       Place the wreath centered at the headstone, with the bow at the top.

4.       Say the veteran’s name aloud.

5.       Please do not remove any items already placed at headstones, such as other wreaths, flowers, and other tokens left by family or friends.

6.       For military and cadets – render a slow salute or place a right hand over your heart.

SEE ALSO: PBS Airing Documentary About Alexandria Community Remembrance Project