Millions of Americans will unite on Saturday, Dec. 13, to participate in Wreaths Across America, the annual tradition of laying evergreen wreaths on the graves of veterans across the country.
Alexandria National Cemetery is one of the thousands of locations that will honor veterans in what is considered a solemn symbol of gratitude.
“The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom,” said Col. Jerry Krueger, Commander of VFW Post 609. “Last year over 1,000 Alexandria area patriotic citizens joined military veterans from several VSOs, along with Scouts, cadets, church groups, and more, in placing wreaths on all 4,229 veterans’ gravestones.”
VFW Post 609 will again host the event, now in its 17th year in Alexandria. The Alexandria tradition first began in December of 2009.
Wreaths Across America began in 1992 when Morrill Worcester of Maine donated surplus wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. Today, it has grown into a global movement with ceremonies at more than 5,200 locations in all 50 states, at sea, and abroad, involving over two million volunteers.
The 2025 theme, Keep Moving Forward, symbolizes resilience and unity in challenging times. According to organizers, they hope to inspire communities to overcome obstacles together, just as service members did in defense of liberty.
Volunteers in Alexandria, Arlington and across the country will place wreaths while saying each veteran’s name aloud in a symbolic act ensuring their memory endures.
“The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
-- VFW Post 609 Commander Col. Jerry Krueger
The Arlington Convoy, known as the longest veterans’ parade, began Dec. 6 when trucks left Maine to escort the wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery with stops at schools and memorials along the East Coast.
Boxes of wreaths will be unloaded at Alexandria National Cemetery Dec. 12 after delivery from Wreaths Across America.
The Dec. 13 kickoff ceremony for Wreaths Across America at Alexandria National Cemetery will begin at 9:30 a.m. The public is invited to join VFW Post 609, members of other VSOs, church groups, Civil Air Patrol cadets, scouts, and local residents to place several thousand Veterans Remembrance Wreaths at the tombstones of over 4,200 veterans buried at Alexandria National Cemetery. The cemetery is located at 1450 Wilkes Street in Alexandria.
For more information, contact Joseph Mattera at jmattera1@gmail.com or Jerry Krueger at JerryKrueg@aol.com.