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A tradition that started just two years ago has set another record. Brownsboro Hardware & Paint, which has two locations in Louisville, Kentucky, started supporting the Wreaths Across America program in 2021. In 2023, over 8,700 wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery, and over 1,600 volunteers participated on the day of the event, also a record.
The Wreaths Across America program remembers fallen U.S. veterans, honors active service members and teaches the value of freedom. Every December, participants lay donated wreaths on the headstones of veterans in remembrance of the sacrifices veterans have made. Throughout the country, similar ceremonies take place at other national cemeteries as part of the National Wreaths Across America Day.
Brownsboro Hardware & Paint assisted in raising funds to purchase the wreaths by taking donations in the store and assisting with web donations.
“I can’t thank our customers and friends enough for stepping up to help again this year,” says Doug Carroll, owner of Brownsboro Hardware & Paint. “More than 900 wreaths were purchased at our two stores alone, and we sponsored another 200. We had such strong support with people buying one, five, ten or even 100 wreaths. We are blessed to live in such a caring community, and we intend to raise enough to break another record next year.”
While the organization was not able to cover all 11,300-plus veteran’s graves at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery, organizers were still astounded at the phenomenal community support this year, says Dr. Scott Giltner, location coordinator, Gov. Isaac Shelby Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.
“When we started this project locally, fewer than one in five veterans’ graves had been sponsored,” Giltner says. “Since Brownsboro Hardware & Paint got involved, that number has grown dramatically each year. We are so gratified by the kindness of others, and we will continue to work to ensure that every veteran’s grave is covered someday in the future.”
