28 Dec 2020 Wreaths Across America honors 1.7 million vets
Dec. 19 was National Wreaths Across America Day at 2,557 participating locations. Dedicated Americans in every state honored the nation’s heroes by safely placing a total of 1.7 million wreaths on veterans’ headstones and remembering them by saying each name out loud.
“The 2020 theme for Wreaths Across America has been ‘Be an American worth fighting for,’ and this year I have been blessed to see my fair share,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “The determination of the American people and their commitment to the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, made it possible for us to move forward this year, safely. We are humbled, and forever grateful for the outpouring of support from across the country.”
Wreaths Across America would like to thank the dedicated volunteers in every state for overcoming the many obstacles presented and remaining focused on the mission over the last year. From the individual Location Coordinators working with local officials on modified wreath placement plans, to the professional truck drivers who have been keeping this country moving, but found time to help deliver these truckloads of respect, each person has played an important part in the mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.
Each live, balsam wreath is a gift of respect and appreciation for a veteran, donated by a private citizen or organization. It is placed on graves by volunteers as a small gesture of gratitude for the freedoms Americans enjoy. For centuries, fresh evergreens have been used as a symbol of honor and have served as an annual tribute. Wreaths Across America believes the tradition represents a living memorial that honors veterans and active-duty military and their families, and when volunteers say the name of a veteran out loud when placing a wreath, it ensures they live on in our memory. For more information, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
