More than 2,000 volunteers took part in Wreaths Across America day, placing 4,230 wreaths in honor of local veterans Dec. 16 at Alexandria National Cemetery.

“The annual Wreaths Across America event at Alexandria National Cemetery was a huge success,” said VFW Post 609 Commander Gerald Krueger. “Over 2,000 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.” 

Daija Stewart-Simmons was volunteering as part of Girl Scout Troop 5223 from Alfred Street Baptist Church.

“Girl Scouts is about dedication to service,” Stewart-Simmons said. “So I am here to honor those who sacrificed their lives for us. This is very special.”

Military attaché officers stationed in U.S. embassies in DC took part in the Alexandria ceremony.

Henry Dorton of American Legion Post 24, right, is joined by a Civil Air Patrol cadet in saluting after placing a wreath as part of Wreaths Across America Dec. 16 at Alexandria National Cemetery. 

 

“These officers come to pay their respects to our veterans,” Krueger said. “They come to pay tribute to those who have served.”

National Wreaths Across America Day took place at over 4,225 cemeteries across the country with over three million veterans honored this year.

“The mission of Wreaths Across America is to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom,” Krueger said. 

Fundraising for next year’s Wreaths Across America has begun with the Wreaths Across America organization in Columbia Falls, Maine, again announcing they will match one-for-one additional wreath for pledges made through registered Sponsorship Groups. The offer runs through Jan. 16, 2024. The link to donate through VFW Post 609-Alexandria is www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/VA0930P

“We are inspired by the support of the community, including Saint Rita’s American Heritage Girls, who have been the top organization for getting pledges for us for the last 5-6 years,” Krueger said. “The Wreaths Across America veterans remembrance wreaths is a way for a community to honor those who have served.”