“Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1,100 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.” — WAA website.
It’s not just about this one day out of the year…
From their website:
“We also organize a week of events including international veteran’s tributes, ceremonies at State Houses and a week-long ‘Veteran’s Parade’ between Maine and Virginia where we stop along the way to spread our message about the importance of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms.
“This week of events is made possible by thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths, and participate in the events. We receive no government funding. The cost of our programs is paid by individual wreaths sponsors, corporate donors and volunteer truckers.”
How can you help?
You can sponsor a wreath, volunteer at an event, donate to or start a local fundraising group, offer trucking support or corporate support!
“We encourage every volunteer who places a wreath on a veteran’s grave to say that veteran’s name aloud and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country. It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive.
We are not here to ‘decorate graves.’ We’re here to remember not their deaths, but their lives.”
— Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America.
Here are just a few of the many comments left by Steeler Nation on the site’s Facebook page about volunteering for, donating to, and thanking this wonderful organization:
“This is what true Americans do!” – Laurie E. Bowser.
“There was a wreath placed at my grandpa’s grave today at the National Cemetary of the Alleghenies in Pittsburgh.” – Jillian Fecich.
“This company is from here in Maine. I was fortunate enough to meet with some of the drivers as they started their journey. There were 23 trucks that were in the WAA convoy. One special trailer had a 6 foot wreath going to the Statue of Liberty. All volunteers. Wonderful people here in Maine.” – Janice Albright.
“My brother-in-law and mother-in-law are there helping with wreaths!” – Greg Delbart.
“We donated to this cause. It is a wonderful thing.” – Joy Cook.
“I was at Arlington National Cemetery as a volunteer today to help lay the wreaths.” – Jill Schnell.
“WE ARE BLESSED TO LIVE IN THIS GREAT COUNTRY! THANKS TO ALL THAT SACRIFICE THERE LIVES FOR US.” – Clayton Weaver.
“We sponsor several wreaths each year wonderful cause I believe in.” – Vanessa Lucas.
“My son was blessed to be chosen to place a wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The pictures and video are a lasting memory of an honor he will never forget! Unfortunately,I have to say his name is Brady because Ben wasn’t a Pro player yet. Go Steelers!” – Cheryl Bowman Stallings-Moore.
“That’s AWESOME, LOVING, and SUPPORTIVE. Thank you!” – Rebecca Shaw.
“Thanks to everyone who made this possible!” – Carol Hackett.
“God Bless this group!!” – Peggy Ricards.
“I say thank you & do make a contribution. My husband is buried in Arlington & I live in South Georgia. I can’t make it to Arlington every year at the holiday, so this is a great program. Please support it if you can & thank you Big Ben for putting this out there.” – Sharon Vennelwieber.
“Thanks for all of u who took part in this may God bless u all!” – Cherryl Matthews-Broadwater.
“My cousin’s daughter and her husband were 2 of those placing the wreaths.” – Jan Zella.
“Beautiful – goose bumps though. God bless America and our veterans!” – Karma N. Austin.
“Happy to do it every year with the Cub Scouts from Pack 789 (Dunkirk, MD). By the way, I wore my Steelers gloves while placing the wreaths!” – Kevin Shaver.
“What a beautiful thing to do. Never to be forgotten.” – Dorothy Heywood.
“I say thank you & do make a contribution. My husband is buried in Arlington & I live in South Georgia. I can’t make it to Arlington every year at the holiday, so this is a great program. Please support it if you can & thank you Big Ben for putting this out there.” – Sharon Vennelwieber.
If you would like to sponsor wreaths to be placed on the veterans’ graves this December, now is the time! They are also looking for volunteers to place wreaths!
You can learn more here.
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