Honoring America’s Heroes: Wreaths Across America Invites the Nation to Remember, Honor, and Teach

A National Call to Remember and Honor

As the holiday season approaches, Wreaths Across America is once again inviting Americans to come together in gratitude and remembrance. On Saturday, December 13, 2025, more than two million volunteers across the United States will gather at over 5,200 cemeteries to lay wreaths on the graves of America’s veterans. The annual tradition is not merely about decoration—it’s about reflection. Each wreath placed is accompanied by the simple but powerful act of saying the veteran’s name aloud, ensuring that their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

In Texas, Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board Chairwoman Dr. Dawn Buckingham is encouraging Texans and all Americans to help the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, Texas, reach its goal of over 4,400 wreaths this year. Currently, the cemetery has just over 500 wreaths sponsored—only about 12% of the total needed.

“This is an opportunity to honor those who gave everything to defend our freedom,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “Every wreath represents a story, a life, and a legacy.”

Remember. Honor. Teach.

The guiding mission of Wreaths Across America—“Remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom”—resonates across generations and communities.

• Remember: Sponsor a wreath in honor or in memory of a loved one who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Each wreath becomes a symbol of gratitude, a moment of connection between the living and those who rest in honored glory.
• Honor: Volunteer at a local cemetery or lead a sponsorship group. Whether laying wreaths, organizing ceremonies, or simply attending, volunteers carry forward the promise that America’s heroes will never be forgotten.
• Teach: Invite friends, family, and schools to participate. By involving young people, Wreaths Across America helps instill civic responsibility and patriotism in future generations.

This year’s national theme—“Keep Moving Forward”—is a reminder that, despite challenges, America’s resilience and unity remain strong. “There will always be challenges to overcome as individuals, communities, and as a country,” said Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America. “But we must keep moving forward together.”

How You Can Get Involved

Americans can visit the Wreaths Across America website to sponsor a wreath, volunteer, or form a local group. A $17 donation sponsors one wreath, with proceeds supporting both the wreath program and year-round educational initiatives.

For those near Mission, Texas, the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery will hold its wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., with wreath placement immediately following. Volunteers are needed to assist with the event and ensure every veteran’s grave receives a wreath.

You can also support other participating cemeteries in your community or even sponsor wreaths for overseas resting places of American service members. Every small contribution—whether time, money, or advocacy—helps keep this living memorial alive.

A National Tradition of Gratitude

From Arlington National Cemetery to small-town veterans’ memorials, National Wreaths Across America Day has become a unifying moment for the country. Families, veterans, civic groups, and students join together, hand-in-hand, to honor sacrifice and preserve memory.

As wreaths are placed and names are spoken, the meaning of service transcends politics and generations. Each wreath, evergreen and circular, symbolizes eternal life and enduring gratitude.

Commissioner Buckingham’s call to action is clear: “Help us make sure every hero resting in the Rio Grande Valley—and across America—is remembered this December.”