Many years ago, John Wesley wrote “Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn.” Those words come to my mind when I start thinking about the new theme for 2022 - FIND A WAY TO SERVE - and the expanded teaching initiative that will be part of it.
Of the veterans and gold star families that I have the honor to know, so many of them talk about the projects they are involved with to support and help others in their communities and the healing this type of service brings them. They have committed - in the wake of loss and sacrifice - to make a positive difference. In turn, they themselves find healing in that service. In fact it was from a Gold Star Mother that I first heard Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Sharing this theme and its principle gives us an opportunity to touch hearts, homes and communities. I often say the TEACH pillar of our mission is the most important, because I feel it is where we can make the most impact on this country and all who call it home. I am excited about the new curriculum that features character building, and service-oriented activities based on the attributes associated with those who serve in the military, similar to the 10 bouquets that make a veteran’s wreaths.
Belief in a greater good, love for each other, work ethic and character, honesty and integrity, and pride in our country are just a few of the qualities exemplified in the stories we share about our nation’s veterans and their families.
The Wreaths Across America family understands the need to teach the next generation the cost and value of freedom. Each year because of your dedication and support the mission grows. I am excited to share this year’s theme and upcoming teaching curriculum with you along with a challenge to make 2022 our best year ever, as we all find a way to serve.
As we approach the anniversary of the end of theBattle of the Bulge (officially, Jan 25th), Joe Reagan, our Director of Veteran and Military Outreach, reflects on this year’s theme and the stories of those who found a way to serve in their communities after returning from war.
This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held nationwide on Saturday, December 17, 2022.
How Can You Join the Mission in 2022?
Sponsor a Wreath: Honor veterans in your local community by sponsoring a live, balsam veteran’s wreath that will be placed on the grave of an American hero in 2022. Every $15 received, places a wreath. It is never too early to support the mission!
Start a Sponsorship Group: As a pay back group, your civic, nonprofit, school or other group can help raise wreath sponsorships for a participating cemetery, and $5 for each $15 wreath sponsorship raised will be given back to you for you to support your program locally. Since 2007, WAA has given back approximately $17million through December 2021, to other organizations through this program!
As a 3-for-2 group, a third wreath is placed for every two wreath sponsorships made. This is a great way to ensure as many veterans as possible are honored and remembered at the participating cemetery your support!
Add a New Location: Coordinate a wreath-laying ceremony at a cemetery or veteran’s memorial in your community. Determine if this location is already participating by checking our website. We have resources to help you plan your ceremony and ensure community involvement and success!
Volunteer: Volunteer to place wreaths on National Wreaths Across America Day - Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022 - at any of our 3,1000+ participating locations. Involve your friends and family to honor our servicemen, women and families.
Join us on VIRTUALLY on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 12pm EST/9am PST, as we celebrate the lives and legacy of the Four Chaplains and all those lost on the USAT Dorchester 79 years ago.
Wreaths Across America will be LIVE from the Baslam Valley Chapel and tip lands where balsam is harvested to make veterans’ wreaths for Wreaths Across America.
New Year’s Resolution 2022: Tune in to Wreaths Across America Radio!
Wreaths Across America Radio is a 24/7 Internet stream. Its unique format provides informational and inspiring content about members of the U.S. armed forces, their families, military veterans, and volunteers throughout the country and overseas who support the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.
