Another year of honoring those who served and protected our freedoms has come to a close. On December 14, 2024, veterans were honored across the nation by volunteers placing wreaths on their graves. It began in Arlington National Cemetery and the tradition has continued through the efforts of Morrill and Karen Worcester, founders of Wreaths Across America.
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Wreaths Out
On Saturday, January 11, starting at 8 a.m., Wreaths Across America will conduct its annual wreath removal at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery (SAHNC) in Washington, D.C. Thousands of volunteers will help remove around 257,000 wreaths at ANC and 14,000 at SAHNC.
Army National Military Cemeteries Executive Director Karen Durham-Aguilera expressed gratitude for the volunteers’ support: “This is a meaningful endeavor to return the cemetery to its traditional condition that would not be possible without your support,” she said, as stated in the Wreaths Across America press release.
Volunteers who want to help remove wreaths must go through security screening. Prohibited items include large bags, firearms, aerosol containers, coolers, and certain tools, among others. Clear plastic water bottles are allowed.
Millions participate
Each year, millions of volunteers across the U.S. and abroad gather to honor our service members and their families. The theme for 2025 will be “Keep moving forward.” This was inspired by the last words of Captain Joshua Byers, who was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq, on July 23, 2003. His final command, “Keep moving forward,” has become a battle cry for his unit and family.
Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America, reflected on the resilience shown by veterans: “There will always be challenges to overcome, but we must keep moving forward together,” she said. “This year, we will share not only the Byers’ story of resilience but also the stories of many others who continue to live with purpose every day and have chosen to keep moving forward.”
In 2024, over three million sponsored veterans’ wreaths were placed on headstones at 4,909 participating locations globally. Wreaths Across America’s mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach continues year-round, with each name spoken aloud in gratitude for the sacrifices of our veterans.
Learn more
Follow the stories of volunteers living with purpose using the hashtag #KeepMovingForward, and tune in to Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, TuneIn, and Audacy app. Mary and Lloyd Byers, Gold Star parents of Captain Byers, will join Karen Worcester on her program “Mission Matters” on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET.
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