- Home
- Departments
- Riverview Cemetery
- Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America (WAA) is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester in 1992.
WAA’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington, as well as at veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states.
Since its founding, the organization has expanded to include nearly 3,000 local fundraising groups in all 50 states, representing more than 2,500 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery.
Every year since 2008, Congress proclaims a Saturday in December (usually the Saturday before Christmas) as National Wreaths Across America Day.
Why do we use live wreaths?
Wreaths Across America does not “decorate” headstones. We are honoring all veterans and active military members by placing live wreaths on the headstones of veterans. The fresh evergreens have been used for centuries as a symbol recognizing honor and as a living tribute renewed annually. We want people to see the tradition as a living memorial to veterans and their families.
The Riverview Cemetery started participating in this national ceremony in 2020, and have continued each year since then. We are proud to host this event, and look forward to many more years to come recognizing our 340+ veterans and their families.
How you can get involved:
- Sponsor wreaths by purchasing them through the website at $15.00 each
- Sign up as a sponsorship group and fundraise to purchase wreaths
- Discounts are offered such as buy two and get a third wreath free
- Attend the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony
- Volunteer to lay wreaths on our veterans’ graves the day of the ceremony
If you wish to sponsor wreaths, please go to wreathsacrossamerica.org/TN0273