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Wreaths Across America ceremonies on Dec. 13 brought together volunteers, retailers and logistics partners nationwide to honor fallen service members, with thousands of wreaths placed at veterans’ graves and millions raised to support the effort.
At Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky, more than 1,500 volunteers gathered for a ceremony before placing 11,400 Maine balsam wreaths on every veteran’s grave. Participants were encouraged to say each veteran’s name aloud during placement, reinforcing the program’s message that remembrance is personal.
“Speaking the name ensures that the veteran is remembered,” says Susan Kalmey, co-location coordinator with the Daughters of the American Revolution. “It’s a simple but deeply meaningful act of gratitude.”
The effort at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery was fully community-funded. Customers at both Brownsboro Hardware & Paint locations donated enough to sponsor every wreath, with the stores also serving as collection points and supporting a broader communications push.
“This event brought together people of all ages who wanted to honor the men and women who served our country,” says Dr. Scott Giltner, location coordinator for the Gov. Isaac Shelby Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. “The turnout reflects this community’s respect for our veterans.”
Doug Carroll, owner of Brownsboro Hardware & Paint, says customer support exceeded expectations.
“We had customers come in and buy one, two, five or 100 wreaths at $17 each,” Carroll says. “We’re proud to support this effort and grateful to be part of a community that values those who served.”
Independent home improvement retailer support extended beyond Kentucky.
Taylor’s Do it Center and Pleasants Hardware raised more than $28,500 through an in-store fundraising campaign across 21 locations in Virginia. The total included a $5,000 company match, with customers invited to round up their purchases or make a donation at checkout.
“Supporting Wreaths Across America is a meaningful way for us and our customers to show gratitude,” says Meg Walbridge, communications director for Taylor’s Do it Center. “We’re thankful to our community for taking part.”
Behind the scenes, logistics partners also played a role. For the ninth consecutive year, Do it Best and Transervice Logistics partnered to transport wreaths from Maine to cemeteries in Pennsylvania ahead of National Wreaths Across America Day. Volunteer drivers and donated equipment helped deliver wreaths to multiple locations, continuing a partnership that began in 2017.
Together, the combined efforts of volunteers, retailers and logistics teams supported wreath-laying ceremonies at thousands of cemeteries across the US and abroad, reinforcing Wreaths Across America’s mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach future generations the value of freedom.
