Dear Group Leader,
2024 was an exceptional year for Wreaths Across America, and its success was due to the thousands of dedicated volunteers like you!
Thanks to this collective effort, 7,408 sponsorship groups registered to bring the program to their communities, and 1,169 new groups signed up to support the mission. I've said it before, but I truly believe this mission resonates with many people. The National Wreaths Across America Day ceremony and wreath-laying event provides an opportunity for families, communities, and the country to set aside differences and join in acknowledging those who have championed our freedom. In 2024, because of joint efforts by volunteers, local businesses, and individuals like you, just over 3 million veterans' wreaths were sponsored and placed by more than 3 million volunteers.
I am humbled by our volunteers' incredible dedication and commitment and the continued growth of our year-round mission. The wreath sponsorships afford us the opportunity to provide so many excellent programs for free, some of these include the TEACH Program with free, downloadable lesson plans and service-based learning for youth of all ages; the Mobile Education Exhibit, a museum on wheels that travels the U.S. sharing the mission and serving as an official ‘Welcome Home' unit for Vietnam War veterans; our National Museum and Gold Star Family History & Hospitality House in Maine that offer guests an opportunity to learn about the many stories of service, sacrifice and success through personal memorabilia; our veteran outreach efforts including partnerships with VSOs nationwide that are supporting living veterans and their families; and Remembrance Tree Program which allows families to create a living memorial to loved ones who served; and Wreaths Across America Radio, A Voice for America's Veterans, this 24/7 internet radio station is sharing the stories of service, sacrifice and success from all across the country and now has 75 veteran-centric shows in the line up!
As a volunteer-based organization, none of our success would be possible without your effort. Thank you for making a difference in your community and for championing this important mission! Please know the staff is here to support your efforts however we can.
I look forward to seeing how we can reach even more people in 2025!
With gratitude,
Karen Worcester
Executive Director, Volunteer
