A Wreath of Remembrance
How Wreaths Across America Honors Our Veterans
By: Pamela Hall
The Ashland Beacon
Ashland will once again be part of the moving national tribute to veterans during Wreaths Across America, taking place for the second year in a row. The Poage Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), led by Regent Cheryl Spriggs and event chair Marcia Zachem, is organizing the local event. It will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m. at Ashland Cemetery, located at 1815 Belmont Street. This powerful, free ceremony is open to all members of the community.
“We are honored once again to sponsor Wreaths Across America at Ashland Cemetery,” said Zachem. “We extend our gratitude to the Elks, Moore-Armstrong American Legion Post, Knights of Columbus, and the Virginia Magistrate for their support. Our DAR members, both locally and across the country, have purchased wreaths to honor not only their own patriots but all veterans. These brave men and women fought for our freedoms, and with these Remembrance Wreaths, we will honor their sacrifices.”
Wreaths Across America, a non-profit founded in 2007, was created to honor American veterans by placing wreaths on their graves. The initiative expanded from a wreath-laying ceremony that began in 1992 at Arlington National Cemetery, started by Morrill Worcester. What began as a small tribute has since grown into a nationwide event, involving over two million volunteers and taking place in more than 4,000 cemeteries across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
The mission of Wreaths Across America is simple yet profound: “Remember, Honor, and Teach.” It’s a commitment to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation about the value of freedom. The theme for this year’s ceremony is “Live with Purpose.”
The Ashland ceremony will be open to everyone and include instructions from the Poage Chapter DAR on how to place wreaths. The event will also feature participation from the Nurse Honor Guard of the River Cities, who helped sell 36 wreaths, and Girl Scouts from Ashland. A total of approximately 100 balsam wreaths will be placed on veterans' graves, purchased with donations from local residents.
In addition to wreaths placed on veterans' graves, one will be placed for Ashland’s founding family, the Poage family, and another for a veteran representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Poage Chapter DAR members, volunteers, and family members of veterans will also place wreaths on graves to honor loved ones who served.
There’s still time to honor a veteran by purchasing a wreath for someone buried at Ashland Cemetery. Each wreath costs $17 and can be purchased through the Wreaths Across America website at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Wreaths can also be sponsored for other veterans in the cemetery. When purchasing, participants can choose to lay the wreath themselves or have a volunteer do it on their behalf. The deadline to order a wreath is Dec. 3.
Additionally, wreaths can be purchased for veterans in cemeteries across the country that participate in the Wreaths Across America program. This offers a meaningful way to honor a loved one who is buried far from Ashland. The website also provides an opportunity to register as a volunteer, either for the Ashland event or for other Wreaths Across America initiatives nationwide.
There is a special protocol for placing wreaths, which adds a deeper layer of respect to the ceremony. Before placing the wreath, the veteran’s name is spoken aloud. This moment is meant to honor the individual’s courage, remember the sacrifices made, and reflect on the immense service given to protect our freedoms and way of life.
Their sacrifices shaped our freedom, and with each wreath placed, we honor not just their memory, but the enduring spirit of service that defines our nation. Let us gather in gratitude, as a community, to remember and celebrate the heroes who fought for the liberties we hold dear.
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