FEATURE

HONORING THIS HOLIDAY SEASONVeterans

By Christian Dischlet

We’re all accustomed to sensing our neighborhoods come alive with autumn ornaments, bright red bows, twinkling lights and evergreen wreaths that adorn every door. But did you know that there’s more to the wreath than meets the eye? Traditionally, wreaths date back to the 16th century when they were used to symbolize eternal life. And while the advent of retail and social media have brought trendy new meaning to wreaths, it’s important to remember their true meaning.

Wreaths Across America (WAA), a 501(c)3 non-profit, returns reverence to the holiday wreath and imbues its presence with the kind of purpose that impacts our entire country. Originating in 1992 when Worcester Wreath Company found themselves with extra wreaths, and with the help of the local government, brought the wreaths to be laid at Arlington Cemetery on the grave sites of our beloved veterans less visited. This tradition was quietly built for over a decade until in 2005 a photograph capturing the emotional gesture started to spread across the internet.

Just like that, it became a national movement. Thousands of individuals began reaching out to see how they could help with not only Arlington Cemetary, but their national and state-level veteran cemeteries as well. It became an incredible display of honor, remembrance, resilience and purpose. From the simple origins of a wreath company paying their respects in silence, bloomed WAA, which lives on today.

Following the simple mission of “Remember. Honor. Teach.” WAA helps lay hundreds of thousands of wreaths each year with the help of volunteers and donors from all over the world. In 2014 they were responsible for laying over 700,000 memorial wreaths in 1,000 locations across the US. That same year, their goal of covering Arlington Cemetery in wreaths was also met.

Today, the organization receives countless donations annually that propels its simple yet powerful mission around the country. The wreath is a wonderful decoration, but it’s also a symbol of eternal life, honor and respect for our fallen soldiers who bravely fought to ensure us the moments we cherish today. When those twinkling lights begin to imbue your neighborhood with that magical holiday spirit it’s important to remember our freedoms and how we have come to enjoy them.

WAA holds its annual wreath-laying on the second or third Saturday of December every year and conducts many more programs that honor veterans. To donate and learn more, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.