Wreaths Across America
Julie Gilmer, SendOff Events Curator
SendOff family members joined millions of volunteers across our nation and abroad to pay tribute to Veterans by placing wreaths on the headstones of those that are no longer with us. Here in Minnesota, we volunteered at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. The temperatures were brisk with snow flurries in the air. The feeling was somber, but hearts were full of love and gratitude for all who have sacrificed for our freedom.
What is Wreaths Across America Day?
Each and every December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to remember, honor, and teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 3,400 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. This year the event was held on December 17th.
Our nation’s heroes were remembered as each name was said aloud and honored as over two million volunteers, a third of whom were children, helped place more than 2.7 million veterans’ wreaths on headstones of our fallen across the country. At Arlington National Cemetery specifically, 257,000 veterans’ wreaths were placed by more than 28,000 volunteers, states Wreaths Across America
What a great act of service to be a part of
Four fully loaded Semi-trucks filled with hundreds of boxes of wreaths were stationed centrally at the cemetery for volunteers to grab and place throughout Fort Snelling. People of all ages trudged through the snow, with arms full of wreaths, made their way to each headstone with gratitude, pride, excitement, and thoughtfulness.
“Laying wreaths was my favorite part of the day” my 13-year-old son said, who had never participated in this event before. “The cemetery looks beautiful, and I feel like it shows we care” he went on to say after we placed over 40 wreaths as team Sendoff.
A touching moment
Towards the end of our visit two young soldiers holding one wreath walked up next to where we were gathered. As they walked closer, I could tell that they had something special to accomplish. One was holding a camera, and the other was holding a wreath. I asked if it was ok for me to take a picture of them laying the wreath and both warmly said, “absolutely.” Suddenly, the soldier holding the wreath focused, stood at attention, laid the wreath against the headstone, and saluted…their friend’s headstone, who had sacrificed his life while on duty.
The five of us watched compassionately in solitude and knew this was extremely sentimental. The act of honoring their friend, saying his name out loud and spreading Christmas joy all at the same time was a tender moment to witness.
Soldier laying wreath on headstone at Wreath Across America, Fort Snelling, MN 2022
Reflection
Looking around at the vastness of Fort Snelling with beautifully and thoughtfully laid wreaths on each headstone was a touching scene for myself and all involved. To take a minute and reflect on soldiers who gave their lives to protect our freedom and way of life is an act we value immensely. What we do with our time on this earth and how we are remembered is important, and this gesture is a legacy that will live on.
We honor, appreciate, and care. Laying wreaths is a beautiful way to express these sentiments. Thank you to Wreaths Across America for putting on this great event.
Is there a Veteran who sacrificed their life that you’d like to be recognized this holiday season? Comment their name below and we’ll caringly say it out loud and honor them with you this Christmas.