National Wreaths Across America Day is not only a holiday, but it’s also a movement. A movement that’s designed to remember America’s fallen soldiers by covering veteran’s grave markers with a Christmas wreath on a Saturday in mid-December every year. It’s a day that honors all those veterans who serve.

The History Of National Wreaths Across America Day

National Wreaths Across America Day started prior to 2005 when Morrill Worcester used his business Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine decided to donate his surplus wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. He decided to lay wreaths on one section of the cemetery that received less attention than other parts. When word of his idea came out, volunteers helped to deliver and place the wreaths on graves. 

Then in 2005, a picture featuring some of those wreaths went viral. Soon, donations began to come in to support the donation of wreaths. In 2007, Wreaths Across America was approved as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. Since that time, they’ve been continuing their mission to place wreaths on the graves of all veterans. 

A Brief History Of Wreaths

Wreaths have been used since ancient times as a decoration on people’s heads, and as a symbol of occupation, status, rank, or achievements. Wreaths were also used to commemorate the memory of those who have died. According to Greek mythology, Apollo wove a wreath from the branches of an olive tree and wore it to commemorate the memory of the one he lost. 

Another way that wreaths were used by the ancient Greeks was use as harvest wreaths. Harvest wreaths were hung on the doors of homes to bring good luck with the yearly harvest. And the Greeks weren’t the only ones who used harvest wreaths. This tradition was used all throughout Europe. 

Eventually, the classic wreath evolved into its more modern use during the 16th century. This is when Christians used the wreaths as part of their Advent Season ceremonies. These wreaths symbolized eternal life through Jesus Christ and typically features a candle in the middle of them. 

Since the evergreens wreaths of the Advent Season symbolized eternal life, they began to be used for all funeral arrangements. And that is why funeral wreaths are still placed on graves until this day. Funeral wreaths are sold all over the world to place on the graves of our loved ones and the ones that have served their country. 

Observing National Wreaths Across America Day

National Wreaths Across America Day can be observed by volunteering to lay a wreath on a veteran’s grave, by sponsoring a veteran’s wreath at a cemetery of your choice, or by donating to a local sponsorship organization. You can also spread the word about this holiday by posting with the hashtags #NationalWreathsAcrossAmericaDay or #WreathsAcrossAmerica on your social media accounts.