Wreaths Across America, the national nonprofit that places wreaths on thousands of graves at national cemeteries, recently announced its theme for 2024: “Live with Purpose.”
Each year, millions of volunteers and patriots gather in local, state and national cemeteries across all 50 states and abroad to pay tribute to servicemembers and their families. Thousands of wreaths are placed at the Rock Island National Cemetery on Arsenal Island as part of this effort.
This year’s theme, “Live with Purpose,” draws inspiration from remarkable stories of volunteers whose impactful work is a beacon of inspiration for all, the organization said in a news release.
“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, and 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 Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “For me, to live with purpose is a mindset.”
3M wreaths laid in 2023
In 2023, volunteers placed more than 3 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths on headstones at 4,225 participating locations worldwide. Wreaths Across America volunteers work year round to Remember, Honor, and Teach, with each name spoken out loud in grateful acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by our veterans for our freedoms.
This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14. This is a free event open to all, and the organization encourages community members to participate by volunteering locally or sponsoring a wreath for an American hero.
For more information or to sponsor a wreath, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
