Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to Remember our veterans, Honor those who serve, and Teach our children the value of freedom. The primary activity of Wreaths Across America is placing live evergreen wreaths on the graves of veterans each December. Camp Nelson National Cemetery is one of the participating locations.

Wreaths Across America began with the private donation of 5000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. Up until 2005, Mr. Worcester continued his private donations with little fanfare. That year, however, a photograph of the snow-covered tombstones, each grave having a wreath laid on it, went viral on the internet. By 2006, people from all areas of the country were sending contributions. In 2007 a national charity was formed to enlarge the work beyond Arlington and into national cemeteries across the country and even to U.S. cemeteries overseas.

Wreaths Across America receives no government funding and is completely dependent on volunteer donations and time.

This year the wreath laying, held simultaneously across the country at more than 1,400 locations, will be on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018.  There are 15,000 graves at Camp Nelson, and last year we had more than 900 wreaths donated, by far the largest number ever. This year our goal is 5000, and we have (as of Nov 2), over 2800 donated. The deadline for donating is December 3.

We want to make the public aware of how to donate wreaths online, and encourage them to volunteer to help place the wreaths on December 15. The ceremony will begin at 12 noon and will be followed by the wreath laying, as well as a ceremonial flag raising, and placement of wreaths on several monuments at the cemetery. Several youth groups as well as veterans are involved in the day’s events.

Wreaths Across America Day is a free event, open to all, and is family-friendly. Please plan to arrive at least an hour early to get from the parking area to the ceremony location.

For more information, to donate or to sign up to volunteer, please visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/KY0103