What is Wreaths Across America?
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The tradition of laying wreaths to honor our veterans during the holiday season began in 1992, when Morrill Worcester of Worcester Wreath Company (Harrington, Maine) was stuck with a number of extra wreaths at the close of the holiday season. Remembering a boyhood trip to the Nation’s Capital, and the sacred grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, he donated 5,000 wreaths to be placed at the headstones of an older section of the cemetery.
What began as one man’s gesture, has now grown into a national movement - when in 2007 Wreaths Across America was formed as a non-profit. Today, more than 3,000 locations participate on a Saturday in December in laying the wreaths out of remembrance and respect for our nation's brave servicemen and women. In 2021, the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery was officially opened on Memorial Day with burials beginning within the week after. Midwest Honor Flight partnered with Wreaths Across America in 2021 to bring this program to our local Veterans whose final resting place is within these hallowed grounds. Sponsorships are 100% tax-deductible allowed by law. “It’s more than simply decorating graves,” said Midwest Honor Flight President Aaron Van Beek. “It’s a silent message to all Veterans, their families, and those currently serving that we will REMEMBER their service, we will HONOR their lives, and we will TEACH future generations the importance of citizenship and how our freedoms have been preserved over time.” We understand we have Veterans Day in the fall and Memorial Day in the spring, but our service members sacrifice their time and safety every single day of the year to preserve our freedoms. In many homes, there is an empty seat for one who is serving or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. There is no better time to express our appreciation than during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. |
Partnering Organization
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Please note: As of February 1, 2023, Wreaths Across America increased the sponsorship amount from $15 to $17. This is the first time the sponsorship amount has been increased since the non-profit started. Mailed donations for 2023 will still be honored at $15 but all online donations in 2023 and both mailed and online in 2024 will be increased to $17.
2023 Ceremony & Sponsorship Details
The Mission: Remember, Honor, Teach
Remember our fallen heroes
Honor those who serve
Teach our children about the sacrifices made by Veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms
Honor those who serve
Teach our children about the sacrifices made by Veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms
Other Locations We Support
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Midwest Honor Flight is proud to partner with National Wreaths Across America, Arlington National Cemetery as well as numerous locations in Iowa and South Dakota. Learn more about each of their organizations by following the links provided below, if available or click the logo to see which cemeteries are participating this year.
**For every $17 wreath sponsored through our site, regardless of which location the wreath is sponsored towards, Midwest Honor Flight will receive $5 back towards our next mission and future missions to come. Donations are tax-deductible. Thank you for your support in advance. |
Locations We Support:
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