Category Archives: Wreaths Across America

Updated Convoy Schedule Link! Mission Matters Newsletter

An update from the Wreaths Across America organization.  Please note that US Branch #25 of the Royal Canadian Legion will be participating in the ceremony at the Mare Island Naval Cemetery in Vallejo.  For more information, please visit:

https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/163858/Overview/?relatedId=0


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Hi there,

The excitement here in Maine and across the country is palpable! It’s almost National Wreaths Across America Day! The professional drivers are rolling in with their beautifully wrapped trucks and patriotism to pick up their truckloads of respect, and thousands of sponsored veterans’ wreaths are headed to their final resting place at one of our 2,525 participating locations.

These last few days, all our amazing volunteers across the country are ‘grabbing another gear’ to get the job done! We hope you will join us however you are able to this year, whether you’ve sponsored a wreath, helped plan an event, registered to volunteer to place wreaths, or helped share our stories in some way, YOU all play a part in fulfilling the mission!

Please follow us on our virtual escort this week and if you are able to help us reach our goal at Arlington, know that every $15 will place a live balsam veteran’s wreath!

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart – your support of this mission is what makes this all possible.

Remember, Honor, Teach!

Karen Worcester

Volunteer Executive Director

Wreaths Across America

Sponsor a Wreath

MATCHING CHALLENGE FOR ARLINGTON

Wreaths Across America is proud to announce that Jersey Mike’s Subs has once again stepped up help WAA reach its goal of placing a live balsam veteran’s wreath on every headstone at Arlington National Cemetery. Wreath sponsorships placed through Monday, Dec. 14, 2020 at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/JerseyMikes or through our Facebook fundraiser here will be matched by the company, up to $300,000!

 

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Fox News

Follow the 2020 Virtual Convoy!

Our 2020 Convoy kicks off on Tuesday December 15th and we want you along for the ride! In anticipation of the necessary changes being made throughout the country for health and safety, including at Arlington National Cemetery, Wreaths Across America has made some necessary modifications to its annual escort of wreaths to Arlington, however the public IS INVITED to join along the roadside with signs, flags and cheers to welcome the escort as it arrives to new communities. Wreaths Across America Radio will also be streaming LIVE content on local FM radio dials for drive-in style broadcast in each new town we roll into! Find the full schedule here.

You’ll also be able to join us virtually on social media! In partnership with PenFed Credit Union’s digital media content team, PenFed Digital, this year’s escort will also be shared virtually for the nation to join along from the safety of their own homes. PenFed Digital and WAA are overcoming pandemic-related challenges to ensure fallen heroes are honored safely. During the escort and leading up to its departure, viewers can follow along, learning about the mission and hearing stories from the people it impacts on Wreaths Across America’s Facebook and PenFed’s TwitterFacebook,  InstagramYouTube, and LinkedIn pages. From the professional truck drivers hauling this precious cargo to the hard-working, dedicated volunteers receiving them on the other side of the country, we are going to share their journeys too!

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Tune In To Win!

Wreaths Across America Radio will be sharing live updates from the road and giving away prizes all week! Simply share a picture of the escort or a picture from a headstone in your cemetery or of a veteran you honor on the Wreaths Radio Facebook page. You could win one of our fabulous “swag bags” and qualify for our grand-prize drawing Friday night during our live FB feed from D.C.

Download our radio app now, or listen online and stay connected for more details! www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio

Featured Merchandise

Limited Edition 2020 Theme Long Sleeve T-Shirts! Supporting our heroes is one thing that should never go out of style, just like these classic t-shirts featuring the Wreaths Across America 2020 THEMED logo and sleeve print. Add one to your collection and show your support for our mission to “Remember, Honor, Teach.”

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

Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram

Wreaths Across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, United States, 877-385-9504

Mission Matters Newsletter: Feeling Grateful

An item from the Wreaths Across America organization.


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Dear there,

As we close out a week of Thanksgiving, I’d like to take a moment to thank you for your support of our veterans, active military and their families, Gold Star families and our mission to Remember, Honor, Teach.

I am proud to share that as of today, we will have 2,525 participating locations taking part in the mission in some capacity this National Wreaths Across America Day. Despite what has been the most difficult of years for all, the mission still continues to grow in communities across the country because of the impact it has made on so many.

I am grateful for the small team of staff and core volunteers who have worked diligently over the past several months to develop plans for the safe placement of wreaths wherever possible. Our number one priority will always be the safety of our volunteers who are carrying out the mission. We are asking everyone to please be respectful of the local guidance set forth by volunteers coordinating locations. This year will look different and maybe feel different for many, but we are committed to honoring and remembering our nation’s veterans this December.

I am sure there is a location near you that is in need of your support this year. You can search all participating locations at the following link and learn how local volunteers are modifying events to keep people safe.

Find a Location

The outpouring of national support over the last couple of weeks serves as a healthy dose of perspective for myself and I think many others close to this mission. The Wreaths Across America program was started as a simple gesture of thanks. It has grown to reach more than 3 million volunteers – a third of whom are children – and their communities, impacting the hearts and minds of all, which will be carried forward into the future.

I speak from the bottom of my heart when I say how grateful I am for your support – this mission matters.

With gratitude,

Karen Worcester

Volunteer Executive Director

Wreaths Across America

REMEMBER. HONOR. TEACH.

Sponsor a Wreath

Sponsor Spotlight

Chevrolet has supported the Wreaths Across America mission for the last 6 years. The support started with the convoy to Arlington National Cemetery and has continued to grow. Over the years of involvement, Chevrolet has sponsored over 50,000 veterans’ wreaths for placement. This includes wreaths placed at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at cemeteries within Chevrolet communities from Maine to D.C.  Chevrolet’s commitment to our military shines through with donated wrapped vehicles that transport Gold Star families, veterans, active duty military members and volunteers in the convoy to Arlington each year.

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This year, they are also the official sponsor of our online #WAACountdown to Wreaths Across America Day! Follow along to learn how the company has made the mission a meaningful part of their annual traditions.

“Chevrolet and its employees are proud to be a part of a tradition that Remembers, Honors and Teaches about what sacrifice means for your fellow American. In our 6th year of support of Wreaths Across America, we continue to see the impact of our involvement on those who gave so much on our behalf. We are proud to play a part.”

– Dan Adamcheck, regional director, sales, service and marketing for Chevrolet

Thank you, Chevrolet! 

www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Chevrolet

Follow the 2020 Virtual Convoy!

In anticipation of the necessary changes being made throughout the country for health and safety, including at Arlington National Cemetery this year, Wreaths Across America has made some modifications to its annual Wreath Escort down the East Coast.

In partnership with PenFed Credit Union’s digital media content team, PenFed Digital, this year’s escort will be shared virtually for the nation to join along with the journey. PenFed Digital and Wreaths Across America are overcoming pandemic-related challenges to ensure fallen heroes are honored safely. The journey will take place from Tuesday, Dec. 15 through National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, Dec. 19, and additional content of the events leading up to the escort departure can be followed via Wreaths Across America’s Facebook and PenFed’s Twitter.

This year, we’ll be featuring Location Volunteers and Carrier partners delivering sponsored wreaths across the country. From the professional truck drivers hauling this precious cargo to the hard-working, dedicated volunteers receiving them on the other side of the country, we are going to share their journeys too!

Stay tuned to our social media channels for more information about this exciting new way to join the mission this season.

PenFed
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Featured Merchandise

Limited Edition Wreaths Across America 2020 Ornament

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Holiday Messages to and from the Troops!

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Be sure to tune in online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio, pick us up on a smartphone app like Simple Radio or TuneIn, or download the app from the iTunes Store or Google Play.

#WorthFightingFor2020

Join us each month for a small sampling of the amazing stories we hear of Americans stepping up in their communities and living lives worth fighting for. 

Couple discovers and returns WWII veteran’s keepsakes to family

Read More

Maple Point Middle School salutes veterans with a parade of honor

Read More

Evergreen Parl students couldn’t host veterans for breakfast at the school last week, so they delivered appreciation to their homes Read More

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

Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram
Wreaths Across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, United States, 877-385-9504

Are you remembering veterans this week?

An item from the Wreaths Across America organization to bring a close to Veterans Week.


Wreaths Across America

Thank You

Dear Michael Barbour,

Life always gets a little busy this time of year, but I wanted to take a minute to answer a question I get asked time and time again: “What does Wreaths Across America do for living Veterans?”

It’s a great question, with many answers, and we’re happy to share them with you here as we commit once again to our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.

In remembrance of their brothers and sisters in arms who paid the ultimate sacrifice, we place wreaths on their headstones and say their names out loud so they will never be forgotten.

We honor them with local events throughout the year, and with awareness programs in communities across the country. Our Mobile Education Exhibit brings local communities and our military together with education, stories, and interactive connections.

Through our fundraising program, we help civic and community groups raise funds for their own local veterans programs. Since 2007, Wreaths Across America has given back more than $13 million to local groups through this fundraising structure.

And perhaps most notably, we tell their stories so that the memory of their heroic actions will live on with future generations.

How will you honor the service members in your community this year?  This month, I encourage you to join as as we Remember, Honor, and Teach.

  • Talk to loved ones and family members about the veterans in your community and what it truly means to be a veteran.
  • Support fundraising for a community or civic group in your community. Find a Sponsorship Group to support.
  • Volunteer to honor veterans at a location convenient for you. Find a location near you.
  • Or consider one of the options below to easily sponsor a veteran’s wreath for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, December 19.
Repeat Sponsorship
Click here to repeat your recent wreath sponsorship.
Quick Sponsorship
Click here to order new wreath sponsorships.

For all the ways you support our mission by honoring Veterans, this Veterans Day, and throughout the year, we thank you.

With gratitude,

Karen Worcester
Executive Director
Wreaths Across America

Mission Matters: Getting Ready For Veterans Day & More News From Wreaths Across America

A newsletter from the Wreaths Across America organization.


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Hi there,

With Veterans Day approaching, we thought it timely to share our answer to an important question the organization regularly receives, “What does Wreaths Across America do for living veterans?

We remember veterans’ service and sacrifice by telling their stories so that the next generation will know the men and women who fought for our freedoms. We remember their brothers and sisters in arms who paid the ultimate sacrifice by placing wreaths on their headstones and saying their names out loud so they will not be forgotten.

Find a location near you.

We honor them and their families all year long with local events, and awareness for programs within communities across the country. Through our group fundraising program, we help local groups supporting the military and their families by helping them raise funds for their own local programs. Since 2007, Wreaths Across America has given back more than $13 million to local groups through this $5 back fundraising structure.

Find a Sponsorship Group to support.

We teach the next generation about the value and cost of our freedoms so they will remember and honor all those who served, are serving and their families. We travel the country with our Mobile Education Exhibit bringing local communities and our military together with education, stories and interactive connections.

This month, in honor of Veterans Day, we challenge you  to Remember, Honor and Teach in your community. As the holidays approach, embrace your family, your community and your freedom.

REMEMBER. HONOR. TEACH.

Sponsor Spotlight: Pilot Flying J – Round Up for Wreaths

Pilot Company announced earlier this month an in-store round-up fundraiser benefiting Wreaths Across America as part of its plans to thank and celebrate veterans this season.

The funds raised will directly support Wreaths Across America’s goal to place more than 2.2 million wreaths in all 50 states to remember and honor fallen soldiers during the holidays.

Now through Dec. 31, 2020, guests visiting any of the 750 company-operated stores in the U.S., including participating Pilot and Flying J travel centers and One9 Fuel Network stores, can opt to round-up cash purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the additional amount to Wreaths Across America. In support of the company’s hometown heroes, $20,000 raised through the round-up campaign will be matched by Pilot Company for a total donation of $40,000 to support the Knoxville chapter of Wreaths Across America.

Thank you, Pilot Company!

MISSION BBQ American Heroes Cup Campaign Kicks off on Nov. 12!

Stop by a participating restaurant near you to purchase your cup and help support the Wreaths Across America Program in your community. Plus, visit the Mobile Education Exhibit at these locations.

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Featured Merchandise

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2020 Themed Merchandise on sale now through Dec. 31, 2020. Enter coupon code THEME at check out to receive 40% off!

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Patriot Pairs – Order by Nov. 4 to have your military wreath delivered in time for Veterans’ Day!

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Holiday Messages to and from the Troops!

Record a short shout out by calling 833-369-1351 and leaving a message. We will play that message on air during the holidays. Be sure to tune in online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio, pick us up on a smartphone app like Simple Radio or TuneIn, or download the app from the iTunes Store or Google Play.

#WorthFightingFor2020

Join us each month for a small sampling of the amazing stories we hear of Americans stepping up in their communities and living lives worth fighting for. 

Community helps rebuild veteran’s home See Photos

Card parade taking over the Cape Fear to celebrate Veterans Day Learn More

Florida police department celebrates 100-year-old veteran’s birthday with car parade Read More

Strangers help veteran cleanup cemetery near Muskogee

Watch Video

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

Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram
Wreaths Across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, United States, 877-385-9504

Mission Matters Newsletter: What we’re planning for this December

A newsletter from the Wreaths Across America organization.


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Dear friend of Wreaths Across America,

As October arrives, so do cooler temps (well, in Maine, at least) and the beginning of production for the live, balsam veterans’ wreaths that will be sponsored and placed this December.

We are often asked, why does Wreaths Across America only place live wreaths? The answer is simple, we do not “decorate’ headstones. Through this program and the network of tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers across the country, we are honoring all veterans and active military members by placing live wreaths. Fresh evergreens have been used for centuries as a symbol recognizing honor and as a living tribute renewed annually. We want people to see the tradition as a living memorial to veterans and their families.

Ultimately, the sponsorship and placement of a veteran’s wreath is truly so much more. The veteran’s wreath serves as a catalyst to bring together communities, unite families, create opportunity for fundraising by other nonprofits and civic groups doing good locally, and teach children about the service and sacrifice that gives us our freedom in this country.

To demonstrate the impact of one veteran’s wreath, we’re excited to share the following short video!

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This December, we’ll work together to ensure every name is spoken out loud and that every service member laid to rest is remembered.

REMEMBER. HONOR. TEACH.

You’re Invited!

Join us LIVE on Facebook this Saturday, Oct. 3rd, for the Dedication of the Col. Roger Donlon Vietnam War ‘Welcome Home’ Room.

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Featured 2020 Merchandise

2020 Challenge Coins

Challenge Coin 2020

 A military tradition. 2020 Theme offered only while supplies last!

Patriot Pairs

Remember Our Heroes With A Patriot

Order by Nov. 2 to have your wreath delivered in time for Veterans’ Day!

If you’re not listening to #WreathsRadio already, it’s time to tune in!

Our favorite saying is, “I heard it on the radio!”

Morning show producer and host Michael W. Hale is adding to the “Trucking Tuesday” lineup! At 8:15 AM EDT Michael is joined by Stefan Brann and Jennifer Merrill as they travel across the country in our Mobile Education Exhibit. Find out where they’ll be next!

Michael is joined by our Director of Transportation, Don Queeny every Tuesday at 9:15 AM EDT. Tune in for “The Wreaths Across America Radio Truck Stop.” Michael and Don will talk about the latest logistics in trucking for Wreaths Across America and some of the great music that’s been keeping professional drivers humming through the years.

At 11:00 AM, and again at 4:00 PM EDT, Susan Patten has Trucking Tributes where she talks with professional drivers about their very personal Wreaths Across America experiences.

New to the #WreathsRadio programming is Cup of Joe Radio with Mike and Irene Spotswood. Cup of Joe airs twice on Fun Fridays from 4:00-6:00 PM EDT, and again from 9:00-11:00 PM EDT. A great mix of music and information exclusively for our veterans, produced by Vietnam veterans and former broadcasters with the Armed Forces Radio Network.

Be sure to tune in online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio, pick us up on a smartphone app like Simple Radio or TuneIn, or download the app from the iTunes Store or Google Play. www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio

#WorthFightingFor2020

Join us each month for a small sampling of the amazing stories we hear of Americans stepping up in their communities and living lives worth fighting for. 

Calumet banner project honors veterans Watch Video

Veteran wounded while serving gifted a home from non-profit Watch Video

Jeannette couple raising money to adorn veterans’ graves through Wreaths Across America Read More

90-year-old Korean War Veteran surprised with motorcycle birthday parade

Watch Video

Oklahomans gather to celebrate Vietnam veteran with less than a week to live Read More

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

Facebook
LinkedIn
Twitter
Instagram
Wreaths Across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, United States, 877-385-9504