Wreaths Across America concluded its 2024 effort with the official wreath retirement and pickup activities Saturday.
A crew of about 20 volunteers went to Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery to pick up over 600 wreaths laid in December. Lead organizer and local spokesman Scott Burenheide was grateful for the help. He’s also pleased to be part of an effort that makes sure veterans aren’t forgotten.
Initially, the plan was to pick up the wreaths shortly after New Year’s Day, but poor weather and a lengthy period of snow cover delayed the work to Saturday.
Close to 30 wreaths have already been ordered for the 2025 event in December. Eventually, Burenheide wants to see wreaths for all the 2,300-plus soldiers buried at Maplewood Memorial Lawn. For local information, email emporiakswaa@outlook.com or go online to wreathsacrossamerica.org/ksmmlc. Residents wanting veteran-specific wreaths need to specify that information when they finalize their sponsorships.
The Wreaths Across America started operations in 2007, but the actual effort started in 1992 when Worcester Wreath Company owner Morrill Worcester donated wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. Last year, over three million wreaths were laid in over 4,200 locations across the country. This year’s number of participating locations was over 4,900.
*Click here for KVOE’s YouTube channel, including a YouTube Short of this activity.
