Participate in Wreaths Across America

What began 33 years ago as a pilgrimage by a Maine wreath maker in a single truck delivering 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery as a gesture of thanks has become a year-long mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach. Today, National Wreaths Across America Day draws volunteers from across the country to more than 5,500 participating locations nationwide, with Arlington National Cemetery as the symbolic heart of the entire event. More than 250,000 wreaths are placed throughout the cemetery to honor all members of the Armed Services who have served  — each wreath laid by a volunteer who says the veteran’s name aloud as it is placed, a small but profound act of individual recognition that gives the massive event its deeply personal character. The sight of the cemetery blanketed in balsam fir wreaths on a December morning is one of the most moving things you can witness in Arlington.

Arlington National Cemetery does not require registration to volunteer on National Wreaths Across America Day — each volunteer receives one wreath to place on a veteran’s grave, and the cemetery welcomes volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Metro is strongly recommended due to limited parking; use the Arlington Cemetery, Rosslyn, or Pentagon stations and plan for a 15-minute walk to the cemetery entrance. A separate Family Pass Holder Day is held on the Sunday preceding the main event, limited to those with immediate next of kin interred at Arlington.  Wreaths can also be sponsored year-round through wreathsacrossamerica.org — a meaningful gift option for anyone who wants to honor a veteran but cannot attend in person. The 2026 event date will be announced in fall 2026; check arlingtoncemetery.mil/WAA for the official schedule and volunteer information.