This year’s National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 18 will mark a significant milestone.
For the first time in 20 years, wreaths will be laid on headstones at Arlington National Cemetery and 3,000 additional locations around the country at a time when the U.S. is not at war.
“National Wreaths Across America Day is in-person this year and I encourage everyone to consider visiting their local cemetery to participate. It’s important that we continue to say the service members’ names out loud and thank them for ensuring our freedoms,” said James Schenck, president/CEO of PenFed Credit Union and CEO of PenFed Foundation.
Wreaths Across America's week-long escort to Arlington National Cemetery began on Dec. 12 in Maine, where the wreaths are assembled, and concludes on Saturday. PenFed is documenting the journey across its social media platforms.
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Stops on the route to Arlington National Cemetery include: Lubec, Maine; Harrington, Maine; Ellsworth, Maine; Wiscasset, Maine; Winslow, Maine; Portland, Maine; Eliot, Maine; Merrimack, N.H.; Brattleboro, Vt.; Troy, N.Y.; Central Valley, N.Y.; Wayne, N.J. Elizabeth, N.J.; Parlin, N.J.; Holmdel, N.J.; Bordentown, N.J.; Claymont, Del.; Wilmington, Del.; Middletown, Del.; Stevensville, Md.; and Arlington, Va.
However, on Nov. 22, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation issued a harsh rebuke of the event.
“The grave sites of Christians and non-Christians alike will be adorned with this hijacked-from-paganism symbol of Christianity - circular and made of evergreen to symbolize everlasting life through Jesus Christ - whether the families of the deceased veterans like it or not,” the statement reads in part.
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In 2020, approximately 1.7 million veterans’ wreaths were placed on headstones at over 2,500 participating locations around the country.
Those interested in sponsoring wreaths or volunteering to lay wreaths at local cemeteries across the country can visit here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.