The Story of Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America began with a simple act of remembrance.

As a 12-year-old paperboy, Morrill Worcester of Harrington, Maine, won a trip to Washington, D.C. During that visit, Arlington National Cemetery left a lasting impression on him and inspired a lifelong commitment to honoring our nation’s veterans.

In 1992, Mr. Worcester found himself with a surplus of wreaths at the end of the holiday season. Remembering his experience at Arlington, he arranged to place the wreaths in one of the cemetery’s older sections. With support from volunteers, veterans’ organizations, and community members, the first wreath-laying ceremony was held, including a special tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The annual tribute remained a local tradition until 2005, when a photograph of snow-covered wreaths at Arlington gained national attention. Interest quickly spread across the country, inspiring communities to honor veterans in their own local cemetery.

To support this growing movement, Wreaths Across America was established in 2007 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Today, the organization’s year-round mission remains:

Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.

In 2025, more than 3.1 million veterans’ wreaths were placed by millions of volunteers nationwide at 5,594 participating locations across the United States and beyond.

Wreaths Across America would not be possible without the dedication of volunteers, sponsoring organizations, and the transportation industry, whose support helps carry out this mission each year.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.