Lately, it has weighed on my heart that to Remember and Honor, is the least we can do for those who have served, are still serving and their families. But if we can TEACH the next generation about what it means to serve and sacrifice for others, we can truly make a difference not only in the lives of our nation’s veterans, but for all Americans.

Like me, I am sure many of you are making plans to attend or participate in Veteran’s Day ceremonies in your communities. Veteran’s Day, formally Armistice Day, is a day designated to encourage us as Americans to honor the sacrifice of those who have served to preserve our freedom. Wreaths Across America’s mission is to carry on that initiative, every day. We believe that sharing the stories of our veterans is the best way to nurture patriotism and make a personal connection with history.

As we share the life stories of those who serve, it also provides us an opportunity to talk about our country and the principles that set us apart as a free nation that aspires to serve the greater good. The gift of freedom that we enjoy comes at great cost and the account is not closed. Continued security is reliant on the military and the young people who volunteer to join its ranks.

It is hard to explain to generations who have always enjoyed freedom just how different their lives would be without it. It is the greatest tribute we can offer our veterans who fought for us all, to teach our children love of country and responsibility for preservation of our – and their – way of life.

I believe that this is the greatest homage we can pay our veterans on Nov. 11, and every day. I leave you with these words from President Ronald Reagan’s farewell address that summarizes how I feel at this critical time in our history.

“We’ve got to do a better job of getting across that America is freedom – freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of enterprise. And freedom is special and rare. It’s fragile; it needs protection. 

So, we’ve got to teach history based not on what’s in fashion but what’s important…You know, 4 years ago on the 40th anniversary of D-Day, I read a letter from a young woman writing to her late father, who’d fought on Omaha Beach. Her name was Lisa Zanatta Henn, and she said, “we will always remember, we will never forget what the boys of Normandy did.” Well, let’s help her keep her word. If we forget what we did, we won’t know who we are. I’m warning of an eradication of the American memory that could result, ultimately, in an erosion of the American spirit. Let’s start with some basics: more attention to American history and a greater emphasis on civic ritual. 

And let me offer lesson number one about America: All great change in America begins at the dinner table. So, tomorrow night in the kitchen I hope the talking begins. And children, if your parents haven’t been teaching you what it means to be an American, let ’em know and nail ’em on it. That would be a very American thing to do.” 

Remember – Honor – Teach

With gratitude,

Karen Worcester

Executive Director

Available Starting November 12th: American Heroes Cups

Thank you to MISSION BBQ for your continued support of Wreaths Across America! Starting on November 12, for every American Heroes Cup purchased at any of MISSION BBQ’s 131 locations for $4.99, $2 will be donated to Wreaths Across America to sponsor veterans’ wreaths. In 2022, MISSION BBQ customers raised $369,590 through this campaign!

Chevrolet to Lead the Country’s Longest Veterans’ Parade

For the 9^th year in a row, Chevrolet has generously provided the Wreaths Across America wrapped escort vehicles to transport participating Gold Star families, Blue Star families, and veterans during the annual Escort to Arlington, which kicks off on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2023.

Wreaths Across America Radio: Listen Live

Veterans Day Lesson Plans

Did you know?

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson made November 11 a holiday to remember the end of World War I. The holiday was called Armistice Day. After US involvement in World War II and the Korean War, the name of the holiday was officially changed to Veterans Day to honor our veterans who served in all wars. Access our Veterans Day lesson plans for all grade levels below.

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Keep your drinks hot – or cold – with the new Wreaths Across America 16 ounce Tervis Tumbler!

So often in my position as Executive Director for Wreaths Across America, I am humbled by the dedication and thoughtfulness of our volunteers.

This week, I had the privilege of spending time with a group of managers from one of our large corporate sponsors. Some of them spoke about their involvement on the local level with such excitement and commitment for the mission that I found myself moved to tears.

They spoke of how their communities had come together to not only remember the fallen but to involve kids and teach them about local heroes. From a company perspective they shared how participation in a wreath ceremony leads to increased civic engagement, volunteerism and community involvement.

As I listened and watched them each raise their hand to tell their story of how they have incorporated the WAA mission in their daily lives, I kept thinking, these are wonderful people. I shouldn’t be surprised because my takeaway from almost any interaction in my workday is just that. For almost every story that is shared about a loved one remembered, there is a dedicated group or individual who is committed not only to that memory but to teaching our children about love, courage, commitment, and responsibility. These are attributes that our military embodies and as citizens ones we should emulate.

So, as it often is the case, this group inspired me to want to do more. All over the country, this year in 4,000+ participating locations, people who understand that our future, and our children’s future, depends on instilling a love of country, and freedom in the next generation. We do that as we tell the stories, place the wreaths and say the names, but even more importantly, we demonstrate good citizenship, kindness and collaboration for the greater good.

The kids are watching, and our WAA volunteers and community partners are setting a great example.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

Remember – Honor – Teach

With gratitude,

Karen Worcester

Executive Director

The Countdown to National Wreaths Across America Day is On! 

Your $17 sponsorship supports our year-long programs, programs within your community and places a wreath for an American Hero. You can sponsor in memory of or in honor of a loved one, and there are many ways to volunteer this season. Looking to get involved this Wreaths Across America Day? You can find a location to participate at by clicking on the button below.

Wreaths Across America Radio: Listen Live

Hispanic Heritage Month Lesson Plans

Wreaths Across America is excited to share Hispanic Heritage Month lesson plans! In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson established Hispanic Heritage Week to honor and celebrate the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Twenty years later, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a month. We hope you will join us as we Celebre el Mes de la Herencia Hispana (Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month).

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Remember your heroes with a Patriot Pair!

Your sponsorship ensures a veteran’s wreath is placed in honor of an American hero this December. A second purchased wreath will be sent to the address of your choice.