LOGAN- Cemeteries in Cache Valley were recipients of the National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 13, with 4,909 participating locations nationwide. It was noticeable in Logan Cemetery where veterans were honored by volunteers who laid the symbols near the headstone of a fallen hero.
Millions of volunteers, a third of whom were children, placed the fresh evergreen wreaths to remember our nation’s heroes. They said their names out loud then they placed the fresh evergreen wreath with a red bow over three million sponsored veterans. At Arlington National Cemetery, over 32,000 volunteers helped place wreaths at more than 260,000 gravesites.
Some say the red bow on a wreath signifies the blood of Christ.
“The wreaths placed today are a catalyst; they bring together communities, families and strangers to learn about those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “Thank you to all the volunteers across the country for their gift of time and for living the year-round mission to Remember, Honor, Teach every day.”
Fresh evergreens have been used for centuries to symbolize honor and a living tribute renewed annually. Organizers of this program believe the tradition represents a living memorial that honors veterans, active-duty military, and their families. When volunteers say the name of a veteran aloud while placing a wreath, it ensures they live on in our hearts and memories and are always remembered.
American Military University teaches the wreaths are made from evergreen branches, which bring to mind resilience and the enduring spirit of life. Each wreath is adorned with a crimson bow, a visual reminder that these wreaths are not mere decorations but deliberate acts of remembrance.
“In the spirit of the upcoming theme for 2025, it was wonderful to see communities all across the country come together for a common cause in unity to keep moving forward,” added Worcester.
Wreaths Across America would like to thank the communities, dedicated volunteers, and generous sponsors for supporting those who have protected our freedom. Each person has played a part in the year-long mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.
Christmas wreaths can be found in some Cache Valley cemeteries marking the graves of fallen soldiers.
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organized to expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and other cemeteries across the country. What began in 1992 with a mission to – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.