American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters involved with Wreaths Across America

Posted On: Wednesday, 14 December 2022

American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters is excited to participate in Wreaths Across America at the national and unit level. 
 
The nonprofit organization was founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. 
 
This year, Wreaths Across America Day is Dec. 17 when 2.7 million wreaths will be placed nationwide. Prior to participating at the national level, several American Legion Auxiliary units nationwide have been involved in wreath laying events at the local level in previous years, recognizing veterans at cemeteries across the country.  
 
Want to know more about Wreaths Across America? Following are a few fun facts:

  • It began more than 30 years ago as a pilgrimage by a Maine wreath maker in a single truck to deliver 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. In 2009, the American Legion Auxiliary awarded founder Worcester with its prestigious Public Spirit Award.
  • Known as the country’s longest veterans’ parade, the annual “Escort to Arlington” kicked off Dec. 10. 
  • Stops with public events have been/will be held in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. 
  • Participants include the American Legion Auxiliary, The American Legion, Gold Star Families, Blue Star Families, VFW, Disabled American Veterans, VFW Auxiliary, and more. 
  • Nearly 257,000 sponsored wreaths are needed to reach the goal of placing a wreath on every eligible marker at Arlington National Cemetery. 
  • There is a Wreaths Across America radio station. Listen to #WreathsRadio on the iHeart Radio app, Audacy app, TuneIn app, or www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio
  • National Wreaths Across America Day ceremonies are happening at more than 3,500 participating locations across the country Dec. 17. 
 
The Wreaths Across America mission — remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve, and teach your children the value of freedom — is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 2,900 participating locations in all 50 states and overseas.
 
For more information, visit
www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
 
Be sure to follow the ALA on
Facebook this week to stay up to date with the progress of the parade along the East Coast and learn more about the organization ahead of Wreaths Across America Day. ALA National Vice President Lisa Williamson will be attending events this week, representing the Auxiliary on behalf of National President Vickie Koutz. We look forward to sharing Wiliamson’s firsthand accounts of via our social media channels, as well as right here on the national ALA blog. 

ALA Mission
Statement

In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.