Remembrance
Wreaths Across America Day, December 19, 2026
Each December, volunteers lay evergreen wreaths on veterans’ graves and say each name aloud.
What it is
Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization based in Columbia Falls, Maine. It coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at cemeteries on one Saturday each December. The organization says this year’s day is Saturday, December 19, 2026, with ceremonies at more than 5,500 locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.1
Its stated mission is three words: Remember, Honor, Teach. Volunteers place a live balsam wreath at a veteran’s headstone and say the veteran’s name aloud.2
How it began
This is the organization’s own account of its history.3
- 1992. Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, had wreaths left over at the end of the season. They were placed in one of the older sections of Arlington National Cemetery.
- 2005. After more than a decade as a quiet annual tribute, a photograph of Arlington headstones with wreaths in the snow spread online and brought national attention.
- 2006. Wreath-laying ceremonies were held at the same time at more than 150 locations.
- 2007. The Worcester family and supporters formed Wreaths Across America as a nonprofit.
- 2008. Congress designated December 13, 2008 as “Wreaths Across America Day”. The organization says Congress has proclaimed a Saturday in December each year since.
The ceremonial wreaths
Alongside the wreaths on individual graves, many ceremonies set out one wreath for each branch of service and one for prisoners of war and the missing. The photograph above shows them at Poplar Grove National Cemetery in Virginia in 2023, where the National Park Service describes wreaths for the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and POW/MIA.5
How to take part
- Find a ceremony. Wreaths Across America keeps the list of participating locations in its location search. Not every veterans cemetery takes part, so check before you travel.
- Confirm with the cemetery. Start times, parking and access differ. Each cemetery page here has the phone number and official website.
- Attending is free. The organization says there is no cost to attend, that it receives no government funding, and that each wreath is paid for by a sponsor.2
- Say the name. Volunteers are asked to say the veteran’s name aloud as each wreath is placed.
At Arlington National Cemetery
The Army has announced these dates for Arlington and for Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery.4
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13, 2026 | Family Pass Holder Day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at both cemeteries |
| Saturday, December 19, 2026 | The general public may place wreaths at Arlington, beginning at 8 a.m. Registration is not required; the Army recommends registering with Wreaths Across America for updates |
| Saturday, January 9, 2027 | “Wreaths Out”: volunteers remove the wreaths |
Times are Eastern. The Army’s page says more details will follow, so check it before you go. See also our page for Arlington National Cemetery.
Placing your own wreath
You do not need an organized event to leave a wreath on a grave. Each cemetery sets its own rules. Many VA national cemeteries allow holiday wreaths from December 1 through January 20, some set a size limit, and some use different dates. The cemetery’s rule is under “Flowers and grounds policy” on its page in this directory. See also planning a visit.
Sources
- Wreaths Across America. Home page. Date and number of locations.
- Wreaths Across America. Place Wreaths. What volunteers do, cost, funding.
- Wreaths Across America. Our Mission. History of the organization.
- U.S. Army, Arlington National Cemetery. Wreaths Across America 2026. Dates and times at Arlington.
- National Park Service. NPGallery photograph record. Description of the ceremonial wreaths at Poplar Grove.