Dear Michael Barbour,

Like most of you, I am looking forward to this weekend and the community display of patriotism. Families will gather for cookouts and fireworks, and parades will bring people together all over the country.

As I started to pull my thoughts together for this month’s message, I struggled to not sound cliché.

Memorial Day is a day designated to honor and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Freedom does come at great cost. And we do indeed live in the land of the free, because of the brave. But this week, I had the honor to spend some time with a Gold Star Mother, and although her son died more than 15 years ago, he is ever-present when we are together.

She shared some of the planned upcoming events to remember and honor her son, and as she was talking what I already knew was reconfirmed. For her, every day is Memorial Day, and for me witnessing her life’s mission to keep his memory alive fueled my commitment to the WAA mission, my admiration for this mom, and my love for my country.

I was asked in an interview this week what I would ask people to do on Memorial Day. In retrospect, I would say it is important to honor and remember those who died, but also it is so important to take time to learn about their lives. Put a face with the name in your mind and encourage others to do the same…make it personal.

Memorial Day is a day when people come together to remember those who died in service to our country, but also to remind us of the liberty and blessings we enjoy at their expense.

If you take time to meet and know Gold Star families and their loved ones stories, that feeling of pride and patriotism will become a part of your daily walk and stay in your heart long after the parade.

Remember – Honor – Teach

With gratitude,

Karen Worcester

Executive Director

Honor and Remember a Loved One Who Served

Now it is perhaps more important than ever that we take the time to observe Memorial Day in the spirit it was intended.

Let’s bring our Wreaths Across America community together this year to remember our fallen veterans and honor them as they deserve.

Click on the button below to get started.

Register Now: Stem To Stone Remembrance Run

Our annual Stem to Stone Race Remembrance Run will take place on August 6th. Join us in Columbia Falls, Maine, where the mission will be on display through the 5K Run/Walk/Ruck and 10K Run, or from your own course at home. Each individual race registration sponsors a fresh balsam veteran’s wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero on National Wreaths Across America Day. During check out, you can designate a sponsorship group or participating location you want your sponsored wreath allocated for placement.

TEACH the Next Generation the Value of Freedom

It can be tough to keep children engaged in the learning process during the summer, but it is important that they continue to be engaged in learning activities during the summer months.

Click on the buttons below to read a blog by WAA’s Education Liaison about ways to keep youth engaged and access free resources via our website.

The Mobile Education Exhibit Will Visit Three States in June

The MEE will visit Michigan, Wisconsin, and Florida this June. Don’t miss interactive exhibits, short films, and shared stories.

Public tours for the MEE are free and open to the public, members of the media, dignitaries, veterans, and other interested groups who would like to come, ask questions, share stories and experience this one-of-a-kind exhibit.

Featured Merchandise

Did you know that Wreaths Across America offers a scented candle? If you’ve ever taken a tip land tour, you know the encompassing smell that guides you through the beautiful evergreens.

Bring the scent of the tip land into your home!

Make sure to follow Wreaths Across America official channels on social media for the most up-to-the-minute news on the mission throughout the year: