Memorial Day is a holiday set aside to remember those who died in service to our Country. Breaking that down further, that service to the country and the sacrifice of their lives is what allows us as Americans to live in freedom.
While many Americans will take advantage of the warming weather to celebrate an unofficial start to summer, at Wreaths Across America, we will share in the unity that Military Appreciation month grants to continue to recognize our nation’s military and veterans. We will honor the sacrifices of so many heroes, say their names, share their stories and understand that though Memorial Day is about remembering those who died, the lessons we learn from them and pay forward are for our children.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”
Remember - Honor - Teach
With gratitude,
Karen Worcester
Executive Director
Let Us Never Forget Our Solemn Pledge
It’s often said that for those who have served “every day is Memorial Day,” a traditionally silent observance in the Veteran’s mind that can best be described as an impossible trinity made up of an overwhelming sense of guilt, grief, and grit.
Usually, a moment of silence on this day is a welcomed and solemn way to honor the voices from our past, but for myself, after losing three former soldiers to suicide in the past few months, silence is no longer an option and the freedom to use our voice is the greatest gift that our veterans have to offer this Memorial Day.
Read Wreaths Across America's full Memorial Day message written by Joseph Reagan, Director of Military and Veterans Outreach, by clicking on the button below.
Ways you Can Honor and Remember a Loved One Who Served
Give the Gift of Remembrance.
With every $15 veteran’s wreath sponsorship, you have the opportunity to dedicate it “In Memory Of” a loved one who served. In addition to placing the wreaths each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, Wreaths Across America hosts a virtual “Remember Wall” for each participating location. You can post photos, memories and personal messages on these pages as a year-round display of remembrance for your loved ones.
Dedicate a Living Memorial Through theRemembrance Tree Program.
Wreaths Across America established the Veteran’s Remembrance Tree Program as another way to remember and honor our veterans. In Columbia Falls, Maine, where the balsam tips are harvested each year to be made into the wreaths that are placed on veteran’s graves, families can participate in the Remembrance Tree Program by finding a tree that will become a living memorial to their loved one and placing a customized dog tag on the trunk of the evergreen tree. These trees are kept in production and their balsam tips are harvested every three years and made into veterans’ wreaths that are placed each December. Participation in this program is FREE and open to all families who have had a loved one in the military.
ICYMI: Earlier this month we announced the launch of our expanded TEACH program and collaboration with like-minded organizations that focuses on character development and service programs for youth of all ages, with lesson plans for all grade levels and learning abilities - including Memorial Day projects! To learn more and download the curriculum, please click the button.
Coming up on April 30, it's a Gold-Star Saturday on Wreaths Across America Radio! Tune in to hear Jeff Pierce and Director of Military and Veteran Outreach Joe Reagan broadcast from the New York State Gold Star Mothers Convention. Our coverage begins at 8 am on Saturday, as we take the show on the road to the New York State Gold Star Mother Convention exclusively on Wreaths Across America Radio.
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