Wreaths Across America - December 19th, 2020

Each December, veteran stones across the world are adorned to commemorate the American heroes who selflessly served our country. The wreath-laying ceremonies are coordinated by the nonprofit, Wreaths Across America (WAA), with the mission to “Remember, Honor, and Teach.”

The tradition began in 1992 with Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company, when he found himself at a surplus in wreaths one holiday season. Worcester recalled the memorable experience he had as a boy when visiting the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. and realized this was an opportunity to pay tribute to our country’s veterans. He made arrangements and had the wreaths placed in an older section of the Arlington National Cemetery, where visits had become less frequent. This one-man tradition soon inspired others to participate, gaining national attention in 2005 when an image of the tribute spread across the internet. With the help of organizations, sponsors, and volunteers, the ceremonies quickly spread to other locations including the Pearl Harbor Memorial and the 9/11 Memorial. In 2008, U.S. Congress voted the “Wreaths Across America Day” as the third Saturday of December.

Each wreath represents the unique story of a devoted individual who has fallen in a selfless sacrifice to serve and protect our country. This year the National Wreaths Across America Day falls on Saturday, December 19, 2020. In this gift-giving season, Flags.com encourages you to consider sponsoring one of our fallen troops or just taking the moment to thank a loved one who has served our country.