Wreaths Across America is a powerful tradition rooted in remembrance, honor, and education. The program traces its origins back to 1992 when Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, found himself with a surplus of holiday wreaths. Inspired by a childhood visit to Arlington National Cemetery, Worcester decided to honor the nation’s veterans by laying wreaths at one of the cemetery’s older sections, which had seen fewer visitors over the years. With support from Senator Olympia Snowe, local organizations, and volunteers, Worcester initiated what would become a cherished annual tribute. Over the years, the event grew from a small act of kindness to a national movement, leading to the creation of the nonprofit organization Wreaths Across America in 2007. Today, the mission—Remember, Honor, Teach—is carried out by volunteers nationwide, who place wreaths at veterans’ graves, host educational initiatives, and pay tribute to those who served.
On December 14, 2024, troops from the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) participated in Wreaths Across America at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, as they do annually. GSDF soldiers joined a diverse group of volunteers, including public officials, civic organizations, and families, to lay wreaths in honor of America’s heroes. Adding to the solemnity of the event, a squadron of planes performed a ceremonial flyover, paying homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The GSDF’s involvement underscores their commitment to honoring veterans and supporting meaningful community initiatives.
In Chalmette, Louisiana, members of the Louisiana State Guard joined the local community at the Chalmette National Cemetery for a moving Wreaths Across America ceremony. Soldiers from the 1st Area Command assisted in placing wreaths on the graves of fallen service members, working alongside families, veterans, and civic groups. Captain Daniel Stoute, Commander of the 1st Area Command’s Headquarters Company, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “This ceremony is a powerful reminder of the debt we owe to those who came before us.” The cemetery, steeped in history dating back to the Civil War, served as a poignant backdrop for this act of remembrance.
The South Carolina State Guard’s 2nd Battalion honored fallen heroes at Liberty Memorial Gardens in Liberty, South Carolina, during the annual Wreaths Across America event. Soldiers assisted with the ceremony’s setup and participated in the wreath-laying, embodying the Wreaths Across America mission: Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. The battalion’s presence reflected a shared commitment to recognizing the sacrifices of service members and educating future generations about the price of freedom.
In Tennessee, the Tennessee State Guard’s 911 MP Battalion played a vital role at the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, where they provided security and traffic control for the event. Their efforts ensured the safety and smooth operation of the ceremony, allowing volunteers and attendees to focus on paying tribute to the fallen. The battalion’s involvement exemplified the guard’s dedication to supporting community events that honor military service and sacrifice.
Honoring veterans through Wreaths Across America is more than a ceremonial act; it is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served our great nation. By laying wreaths at their graves, communities across the country remember their bravery, honor their service, and teach future generations the importance of freedom. This collective effort ensures that the legacy of our nation’s heroes is preserved for years to come.
Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) Soldiers served during Wreaths Across America, Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, Ga., Dec. 14, 2024.
The GSDF is a component of the Georgia Department of Defense, along with the Georgia Air National Guard and Georgia Army National Guard.
Join the GSDF at gsdf.link/join
(Georgia State Defense Force photo by Lt. Col. James LeMay)
Louisiana State Guard Participates in Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Chalmette National Cemetery
Chalmette, LA – December 14, 2024
The Louisiana State Guard proudly joined Wreaths Across America in honoring our nation’s fallen heroes during a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Chalmette National Cemetery on Saturday, December 14th. The ceremony, held in partnership with local veterans’ organizations, civic groups, and volunteers, was part of a nationwide movement to remember, honor, and teach about the sacrifices of America’s military service members.
Members of the Louisiana State Guard’s 1st Area Command, headquartered at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, participated in the event by assisting with the placement of wreaths on the graves of fallen service members. They were joined by families, community members, and veterans who gathered to pay their respects to those who served in defense of freedom.
Captain Daniel Stoute, Commander of the 1st Area Command’s Headquarters Company, emphasized the significance of the event:
“This ceremony is a powerful reminder of the debt we owe to those who came before us. The Louisiana State Guard is deeply honored to stand alongside our community in preserving the legacy of these brave men and women who gave their all for our country.”
The ceremony at Chalmette National Cemetery was one of more than 4,000 similar events held across the nation, symbolizing a united effort to honor every service member’s legacy. The tradition of laying wreaths began in 1992 and has since grown into a powerful annual tribute.
Chalmette National Cemetery, which dates back to the Civil War, serves as the final resting place for thousands of soldiers who served in various conflicts. This year’s ceremony brought together residents of St. Bernard Parish and beyond to honor their service and sacrifice.
The Louisiana State Guard remains committed to supporting initiatives like Wreaths Across America that align with its mission of community service and remembrance.
On Saturday, December 14, 2024, members of the S.C. State Guard 2nd Battalion gathered to honor our nation’s fallen heroes at an annual Wreaths Across America ceremony. Soldiers from our battalion assisted with ceremony set-up and proudly participated in placing wreaths at Liberty Memorial Gardens in Liberty, SC. The Wreaths Across America Mission is: Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. As we celebrate this season, may we each pause to reflect on the freedoms we hold dear and those who secured those freedoms at great cost to themselves and their loved ones. #wreathsacrossamerica #SCSG #livewithpurpose
Tennessee State Guardsmen of the 911 MP Battalion, 2nd Regiment, provide security and traffic control at the 2024 Wreaths Across America at the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.
Sources: Georgia State Defense Force – Facebook Community – Louisiana State Guard – South Carolina State Guard – Tennessee State Guard – Wreaths Across America
