Wreaths Across America Retires Wreaths In February

The Des Moines Register posted an article titled: “Wreaths Across America to retire wreaths Friday at Iowa Veterans Cemetery”. It was written by Patrick Palmersheim – Wreaths Across America Location Coordinator.

National Wreaths Across America Day took place at 3,702 participating locations across the country, including the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Locally our heroes were remembered and honored as families and volunteers placed over 4,250 wreaths in December. We also honor the host grounds for allowing the mission to be fulfilled with a follow-up effort of wreath retirement or cleanup. The wreaths will be retired/cleaned up and taken to be recycled into compost.

Each live, balsam veteran’s wreath was a gift of respect and appreciation, donated by a private citizen, organization, or company and placed on graves by families or volunteers as a small gesture of gratitude for the freedoms Americans enjoy. We would like to thank all of the dedicated volunteers for their support in 2022, 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.

Wreaths Across America provides more information about National Wreaths Across America Day. The next one takes place on December 16, 2023.

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 more than 3,700 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

Wreaths Across America asks people to join them by sponsoring a veterans’ wreath at a cemetery near you, volunteering or donating to a local sponsorship group.

Why We Do It

We understand we have Veterans Day in the fall and Memorial Day in the spring, but our service members sacrifice their time and safety every singly day of the year to preserve our freedoms.

In many homes, there is an empty seat for one who is serving or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. There is no better time to express our appreciation than during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. We hope you will join us at any of our more than 3,000 participating locations to show our veterans and their families that we will not forget. We will never forget.

Who We Remember

From the Revolutionary War to present day conflicts, our veterans are devoted sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers. They come from all backgrounds in life to place those lives on the line for our freedoms. There are millions of individual stories to tell. Get to know them by viewing the 4,760 recent posts made by our supporters or sponsor a wreath in honor of or in memory of an American hero.

Where We Remember

Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 3,700 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad. You can click a box to find a specific location, or a box to see all locations. If you don’t see a location near you, Wreaths Across America will support you in becoming a Location Coordinator for a cemetery in your area. There is no cost to become a participating location and host a Wreaths Across America ceremony.

When We Honor

While coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies each December on National Wreaths Across America Day is big part of what we do, our mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach is carried out throughout the year. From our Remembrance Tree program to the Wreaths Across America Museum in Maine, there are many different ways in which you can get involved!

Related Articles On FamilyTree.com:

Nazi Headstones Removed From Veterans Cemetery

FamilySearch Helps Identify Graves in Historic Cemetery

Texas Cemetery Recieves Historic Designation

< Return To Blog