FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — In preparation for National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 14, truck drivers participating in the Honor Fleet are transporting millions of wreaths to more than 4,000 memorial sites across the country — 1,300 of those wreaths are being delivered to the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Fort Leonard Wood.
“This is our 15th year of participating in Wreaths Across America,” said Stacy Wilson, Missouri Veterans Cemetery - Fort Leonard Wood director. “Wreaths Across America is a meaningful way for families and community members to unite and pay tribute to our nation’s heroes.”
To participate locally, community members can meet at 11 a.m., Dec. 14 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery - Fort Leonard Wood, located at 25350 Highway H in Waynesville, Missouri, which is outside the installation’s West Gate. The event is slated to start with a brief ceremony that features U.S. Army Vocalist 1st Sgt. Jennifer Champagne performing the national anthem, remarks from Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, and Wilson, followed by a ceremonial wreath laying with the MSCoE Joint Service Color Guard and a rifle volley conducted by Soldiers with the 14th Military Police Brigade.
Wilson said the 11 a.m. start time is significant because thousands of wreath laying ceremonies will be happening concurrently, and according to the Wreaths Across America website, the programs are striving to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
This year, more than 2 million veterans’ wreaths will be placed across local, national and military cemeteries as well as veterans’ memorials and historic sites, Wreaths Across America officials said.
There is something special, Wilson said, about, “knowing that at the very moment we are gathered together, so are people at over 4,600 other cemeteries across all 50 states and beyond, simultaneously, remembering the fallen, honoring our veterans and teaching the next generation the value of freedom.”
This year’s Wreaths Across America theme is “Live with Purpose.”
“Over the course of the last year, and then especially on the escort to Arlington last December, I listened to people who had gone through great adversity, and they'd taken that adversity and turned it around as a call to action to spend the rest of their lives making sure that every day was meaningful and that they lived with purpose,” said Karen Worcester, Wreaths Across America executive director.
To prepare for the event Wilson recommends that participants check the weather before heading to the cemetery.
“Please dress for the weather as the event is held outside. Gloves, scarves and handwarmers are a great idea,” Wilson said.
Parking at the cemetery is limited to individuals with disabled license plates and placards, Wilson said.
“All other attendees will park at the gravel parking lot just south of the cemetery on Polla Road. Shuttle service will be provided from the Polla Road lot to and from the cemetery grounds beginning at 10 a.m. and will run until 12:30 p.m.,” she added.
If families want to bring a stroller, Willson advises parents to make sure it is compact enough to get on and off the shuttle bus.
After the official ceremony, when it is time to lay wreaths on gravesites, Wilson said there is some wreath laying etiquette to follow.
“We kindly ask all volunteers that wish to place a wreath, to please allow a few moments at the end of the ceremony for family members in attendance to place a wreath on their loved one’s grave before placing the remaining wreaths on gravesites of veterans that don’t have family in attendance,” Wilson said. “As you place each wreath, please take a moment to say the veteran’s name aloud, keeping their memory alive. Place the wreath against the headstone, with the bow centered at the top. Ensuring the veteran’s name remains visible.”
Wilson noted that not all the gravesites may receive a wreath.
“In accordance with and out of respect for Jewish custom, which is not to place living flowers, wreaths or laurels on gravesites, please do not place wreaths on the headstones of service members with a Star of David,” Wilson said. “Take a moment to stop and say their name, but do not place a wreath.”
She said sometimes loved ones place a wreath on gravesites with the Star of David, so “if you come to a headstone with a Star of David and a wreath is already placed there, please leave it.”
More information about the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Fort Leonard Wood can be found on their website.
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