Every year since 2008, Congress has declared a Saturday in December as National Wreaths Across America Day. This year’s Wreaths Across America Day will take place on December 14, 2024. On that day, more than 2 million Veterans’ Wreaths will be placed across local, national and military cemeteries, veterans’ memorials and historic sites.
Wreaths Across America’s annual pilgrimage from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery has become known as “the world’s largest veterans’ parade.” Every year the impressive convoy of trucks, local law enforcement, staff and supporters stop at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities along the way to talk about the Wreaths Across America mission and remind people how important it is to Remember, Honor and Teach.
That mission is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 4,600 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. Anyone is welcome to volunteer at a wreath-laying ceremony to assist in saying veteran names aloud and thanking them for their service, ensuring that the legacy of duty, service and sacrifice is never forgotten.
The wreaths’ journey to Arlington has become quite a tradition, as we witnessed the past two years when the convoy made stops at our Delaware County Veteran’s Memorial in Newtown Square. “I am happy to report that Wreaths Across America will be back in Delaware County again this year,” said Preston Tyrell, Newtown Square Fire Company’s Information Technology Officer and Historian. “While they won’t be at our Veterans Memorial, they will be at Ridley High School on Thursday, December 12th.”
Plans for that day include a community remembrance ceremony at 9:30am when the convoy of over ten tractor-trailer trucks and hundreds of volunteers will be welcomed to Ridley High School. Morrill and Karen Worcester, Wreaths Across America’s founder and executive director, will be in attendance alongside American Gold Star Families, active and retired military members and over 50 Patriot Guard Riders. They will be greeted by our local and state dignitaries, first responders, members of the American Gold Star Mothers, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and other veterans’ organizations.
“As a school community, we are deeply honored to welcome the Wreaths Across America convoy to Ridley High School,” said Jamie Pena, Principal of Ridley High School. “This meaningful tradition allows us to reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans and service members. It is a powerful reminder for our students, staff and families of the importance of remembering, honoring, and teaching the values of service and commitment to our nation. We are proud to play a part in ensuring that the legacy of these heroes continues to live on.”
The stop at Ridley High School is one of 12 visits to schools, veterans’ homes, monuments and communities along the East Coast that the convoy will make during its weeklong voyage from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington, Virginia. On Saturday, December 14th, the convoy will be met in Arlington by thousands of volunteers who will place wreaths for the individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country, ensuring no one is forgotten.
Ridley High School is inviting our friends and neighbors to join the school community in honoring their service during the ceremony. If you are interested in learning more, supporting or volunteering for this meaningful mission, visit Wreaths Across America’s website, WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.