Alexandria, VA – Is there any more picturesque or poignant sight at this time of year than the wreaths on the graves of our fallen in cemeteries across the country? Add some snow and the scene is stunning. While the most well-known location is Arlington National Cemetery, we in Alexandria have the honor of a National cemetery right here in town.
Before its association with Christmas, the wreath symbolized victory and power in ancient Greece and Rome. Successful athletes and heroes were often crowned with garlands of evergreens. Since a circle has no end, it signifies eternity and divine perfection. When decorating a gravesite, the wreath’s circular shape and evergreen material represent victory over death or everlasting life.
The custom of widespread wreath-laying on military graves is largely attributed to Morrill Worcester of the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine. In 1992, the company had a surplus of wreaths toward the end of the holiday season. Inspired by a boyhood trip to Arlington National Cemetery, and with the help of volunteers and a local trucking company, Worcester donated 5,000 wreaths to the cemetery to honor the sacrifice of those buried there. The company continued this activity for the next 13 years.
Enter the internet. In 2005, a photo of snowy gravestones covered with wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery went viral. Phones rang off the hook at the Worcester Wreath Company as others wanted to replicate the activity in their local veterans’ cemeteries.
In 2007, Worcester and his family founded the nonprofit organization Wreaths Across America (WAA). With the help of local law enforcement along the way, the annual journey from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery became known as “the world’s largest veterans’ parade.”
From Arlington, the event has expanded to more than 4,600 other locations. The Alexandria National Cemetery began participating in 2009.
Last year, WAA, with the support of millions of volunteers and over 332 trucking companies, placed more than 3 million wreaths on veterans’ graves in all 50 States, Puerto Rico, and US territories, at sea and abroad, including the nearly 10,000 graves at the Normandy American Cemetery in France.
The United States Congress unanimously voted December 13, 2008, to be “Wreaths Across America Day.” Since then, the National Wreaths Across America Day event has been held annually on the second or third Saturday of December.
You can be a part of this tradition to “remember our fallen, honor those serving, and teach the next generation the value of freedom,” as the mission of WAA states. Join Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 609 and volunteers from other sponsoring organizations on December 14, 2024, in laying remembrance wreaths on the graves at the Alexandria National Cemetery, 1450 Wilkes Street in Alexandria. The ceremony begins at 9:30 am, followed by wreath placement.
You also may purchase wreaths online to ensure all 4,229 eligible Alexandria gravesites have a wreath this year.
Sponsorship and volunteer information and opportunities are at Alexandria National Cemetery, wreathsacrossamerica.org/VAANCA. The site also lists over 30 local sponsoring organizations.
Wishing all of you a happy and safe holiday season, especially those currently serving and their families!
Special thanks to Martin Menez, Alexandria National Cemetery WAA Location Coordinator from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 609, and the Region 5 Locations & Groups Liaison Team for contributing to this month’s article.
If you are a veteran, veteran’s family member, or know a veteran who needs help, go to Virginia Board Veterans Services at www.dvs.virginia.gov/dvs; dss.virginia.gov/community/211.cgi; contact American Legion Post 24 Veteran Service Officer at [email protected]; or check out the Resources List on the Post 24 website: valegionpost24.com. For crisis intervention and suicide prevention services, dial 988 and Press 1, or text 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
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