Video: 2024 Wreath Laying at DFW National Cemetary
By LoudPen,
On Saturday, December 14, 2024, the American Red Cross North Texas Region continued its tradition of participating in Wreaths Across America. The annual event honors veterans, their families and loved ones.
More than 40 volunteers and staff from the Red Cross and the National Charity League Lone Star, Plano and Coppell chapters laid dozens of wreaths on headstones at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery as they paid their respects to fallen heroes. Red Crossers also placed wreaths at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene. Each wreath symbolizes gratitude, respect and remembrance for the brave men and women who served.
“We lay a wreath, step back and say their name aloud,” said Katrina Gonzalez, director of the Red Cross North Texas Service to the Armed Forces. “It gives me chills. It is an honor beyond measure to be able to spend my day in the presence of these service members, their families and those here to honor their service.”
Each military branch placed a wreath during the opening ceremony.
Each December, more than 3,400 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad, participate in Wreaths Across America in coordination with wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery.
“These men and women provided a service to us, to our country, that can never be fully repaid,” said Linda Braddy, CEO of the American Red Cross in North Texas. “Through this opportunity, Red Crossers ensure they are both remembered and honored.”
History of the Event
Wreaths Across America began as one man’s private tribute to veterans at the Arlington National Cemetery. In 1992, Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, had a surplus of wreaths at the end of the holiday season.
Remembering his childhood experience of visiting The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, he chose to honor our country’s veterans. With the help of Maine Senator Olympia Snowe arrangements were made to transport the surplus wreaths to be placed at Arlington. With the help of local organizations, this tradition continued for ten years.
A National Movement
In 2005, the unexpected happened. A photo posted on social media led to the event receiving national recognition. By 2007, just two years later, it had become clear that the annual trip to Arlington was a movement.
The Worcester family established Wreaths Across America as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. On December 13, 2008, the United States Congress unanimously voted to declare this day as “Wreaths Across America Day."
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