National Wreaths Across America Day
United States
About
National Wreaths Across America Day, observed on December 20, is a heartfelt occasion dedicated to honoring and remembering America’s veterans. Communities come together to place evergreen wreaths on the graves of service members, paying tribute to their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting others.
More than a wreath-laying tradition, the observance encourages people to say veterans’ names, learn their stories, and ensure their service is not forgotten. It offers families, volunteers, and communities a meaningful opportunity to express gratitude and carry the spirit of remembrance throughout the holiday season.
History
National Wreaths Across America Day is observed on December 20 as a day of remembrance honoring members of the United States armed forces. Its central tradition is the placement of evergreen wreaths on veterans’ graves, accompanied by efforts to recognize the service and sacrifice represented by each headstone. The observance connects private acts of remembrance with a nationwide expression of respect for military service.
The tradition originated with Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine. In 1992, Worcester arranged for a surplus of wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery, drawing on memories of a childhood visit there and his belief that veterans should not be forgotten. What began as a modest gesture gradually expanded as volunteers, veterans’ organizations, businesses, and members of the public joined the effort.
Over time, the project developed into Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to continuing the Arlington tradition and extending it to cemeteries throughout the United States and abroad. The program became especially visible in the 2000s, when improved transportation, fundraising, and public participation allowed wreath-laying ceremonies to reach an increasing number of locations. These ceremonies generally include the laying of wreaths and the spoken remembrance of the values represented by military service.
The cultural significance of National Wreaths Across America Day lies in its emphasis on personal remembrance. Volunteers do more than place wreaths: they read names, share stories, and encourage communities to recognize veterans as individuals rather than as anonymous figures in history. Observed on December 20, the day also provides families and communities with a way to express gratitude, teach younger generations about military history, and reaffirm the importance of honoring those who served.