Wreaths Across America (WAA) is a National nonprofit whose year-long mission is to “Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach our children the value of freedom.” The organization proudly announced in January its theme for 2024: “Live with Purpose.”
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, which was begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992.
“Over the course of the last year, and then especially on the escort to Arlington last December, I listened to people who had gone through great adversity…. They’d taken that adversity and turned it around as a call to action, to spend the rest of their lives making sure that every day was meaningful and that they lived with purpose,” said Worcester. “For me, to live with purpose is a mindset.”
Each year, millions of volunteers and patriots gather in local, State, and National cemeteries across all 50 states and abroad states–most recently at Lusk Memorial Cemetery, in Albany, IL–to pay tribute to our veterans.
“Live with Purpose” draws inspiration from the remarkable stories of Wreaths Across America volunteers, whose impactful work in their communities is a beacon of inspiration for all.
As part of this year’s theme, WAA will share a monthly video series and corresponding lesson plans starting in February. The information speaks to the ten bouquets that make up a veteran’s wreath. These are the ten attributes or characteristics that WAA believes define our Nation’s service members–a symbol of honor, respect, and victory.
Albany will work to highlight stories in line with the 2024 theme. The local contact is Pastor Toni Lucas: 270-703-9799 or rememberhonorteach@gmail.com. Six members of National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and six members of National Society Children of the American Revolution attended the Albany wreath laying tribute, on Saturday December 16, 2023.
In 2023, over 3,000,000 sponsored veterans’ wreaths were placed by volunteers on headstones at 4224 participating locations worldwide. Wreaths Across America volunteers tirelessly work year-round to Remember, Honor, and Teach. As a wreath is hung at a grave, each veteran’s name is spoken out loud, in grateful acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by our veterans for our freedoms. To sponsor a wreath, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Follow the impactful stories of those volunteers and supporters, who are living with purpose throughout the year, by using the hashtag #LiveWithPurpose and tune in to Wreaths Across America Radio, available on the iHeart Radio app, TuneIn, and the Audacy app, or listen at www.wreathsacrossameric.org/radio.
This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024. This is a free event open to all. The organization encourages community members to participate by volunteering locally or sponsoring a wreath for an American hero.
For more information, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ILLMCA.