Thousands honor veterans nationwide for Wreaths Across America Day
Annual tradition transforms Arlington National Cemetery and local cemeteries with memorial wreaths
CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Thousands of people honored veterans Saturday for National Wreaths Across America Day, including participants in the Tri-State area.
Arlington National Cemetery transformed from rows of white headstones to displays of red and green wreaths as volunteers participated in the annual event.
“For people to come out and want to pay that honor and respect, it means a lot,” said Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of Arlington National Cemetery.
The annual Wreaths Across America event draws tens of thousands to Arlington and cemeteries across the U.S., including locations in Green Township.
Tradition began in 1992
The Worcester family began the tradition in 1992 as a way to educate.
After a viral photo in 2005 sparked national interest, it became a massive patriotic movement.
“Our mission is not just about those who have fallen, it’s for the living,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “That they can take this piece of history and teach their children about courage and valor.
The wreath-laying that began more than 30 years ago is still held annually on the second or third Saturday of December.
In 2024, more than 3 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths were placed on the headstones of service members at 4,909 participating locations.
The annual tradition allows thousands to honor friends, family or strangers united under one flag.
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