In August 2023, the American Legion Auxiliary national organization, during then- National President Vickie Koutz’s administrative term, joined forces with Wreaths Across America (WAA) to build a stronger awareness of each group’s common missions while supporting fundraising efforts nationwide. 
 
Trish Gardner, Department of Florida Unit 55, has volunteered with Wreaths Across America since she placed her first wreath in 2012 at the Florida National Cemetery. Gardner (pictured below, wearing white) is now manager of the WAA Mobile Education Exhibit, traveling the country talking to people about WAA.
 
How did you get started in WAA?
I was working at my unit’s Poppy Day booth at our local farmers market and struck up a conversation with a passerby and they told me about WAA. After I placed that first wreath in 2012, I knew I had to do more. In 2013, I signed my unit up as a $5 back sponsorship group. In 2017, I became the volunteer location coordinator for our local cemetery. We placed 168 wreaths in two cemeteries that first year. We now honor approximately 2,000 hometown heroes.
 
What did you enjoy about participating?
First of all, honoring and remembering and thanking the servicemember. Then there are so many other residuals that come into play — the bringing together of the community, the hug from a family member of a fallen hero, the appreciation in a veteran’s eyes, and the history of those servicemembers and the cemeteries. 
 
What does the national ALA’s partnership with WAA mean to you?
Everything! I was so proud when outgoing National President Lisa Williamson bestowed the Public Spirit Award upon WAA this year. She said both organizations are so alike in how we honor our veterans and military and teach future generations. I had both tears and goosebumps as I watched the presentation [at National Convention]! I also like that it will help us reach more members and more units, and help them like it has helped our unit and post. 
 
What motivates you to continue volunteering with WAA?
We all have a WAA why. Mine is Sgt. Sophie Champoux. Sophie is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Clermont, Fla.
 
I also am the daughter of World War II Navy veterans. And then there is the “widow effect” — I will meet someone while placing wreaths and their gratitude and their faith that there will always be someone to remember their veteran and say their name means a lot to those of us who volunteer! 
 
You’ve probably decorated hundreds of graves over the years. How does that feel?
I feel very proud to be able to place the wreath and thank the veteran for their service. 
 
The days after WAA Day is when we return to the cemeteries and make sure we did not miss anyone, straighten wreaths, and that’s when we stand and take a look around. It gives a great feeling of gratitude, peace, and satisfaction that you were able to bring together so many to help honor all your hometown heroes. It’s very humbling.
 
Any advice for others looking to get started in participating?
Do it! Come out on Dec. 14 to your local participating location and place a wreath. Also, you can reach out to our great locations and groups liaison team, and they will set you up to succeed and help you become a sponsorship group and help honor your heroes!