Wreaths Across America 2 for 1 Sale was changed to December 13, 2025 to December 31, 2025. Order Now!

 

Due to the short time left to order wreaths for the 2-for-1 sale, it is suggested that you go to  www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/nc0025p  (click on website- This is a direct website for our 1812 chapter to sponsor a wreath.

Call the main number.  877-385-9504 for Wreaths Across America to order with a credit card. You need the Locator Number, which is NC0025P, and the Location, which is Wilmington National Cemetery. If you need help, email me at par4wilson@gmail.com.

Thanks.

Phyllis Wilson 

Wreaths Across America Attended Event by Commissioner Charles Gause Chapter US Daughters of 1812 for 2025

 Front row: Judy Caison, Rebecca DeSilva, Carole Weiss, Paula De Silva, and Caron Myers.

Back row: Carol Jutte, Rebecca Chipman, Pam Gordon, Phyllis Wilson and Keidre Koenig

1812 members posing for a photo at the Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying Ceremony

The two gentlemen in the photo below are very important to the smooth operation of the Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying each year. This year, there was a problem with the wreaths being delivered in a truck that was too large to enter the Wilmington National Cemetery. Luckily, thanks to TV advertising and outreach to the sponsorship groups, there was enough manpower and trucks to move the wreaths to the proper locations at the cemetery in time for distribution, a little after 12:30, when the program was over. 

Jerry Ford is the Wreaths Across America Location Coordinator for the Wilmington National Cemetery. He is responsible for planning and coordinating all the activities associated with the ceremony at the Wilmington National Cemetery. Ed Valleau is a member of Civil Air Patrol and a senior member of the Cape Fear Composite Squadron. He oversees one of the wreath distribution areas: wreath arrival, unpacking boxes, and assisting in the distribution for laying of the wreaths.

Lt. Col. Patty Kelley, USAF (ret)

Caron Myers, secretary with keynote speaker.

This is the truck that brought all of the wreaths to Wilmington National Cemetery. Unfortunately, the large truck could not enter the cemetery.  So extra trucks and men were needed to help load them and bring all the wreaths to the cemetery by 12:30, so the wreath-laying ceremony would still be on time.

               

The substantial size of these graves reflects the gravity of their sacrifice.

People are just beginning to lay the wreaths on the graves.

Carol Jutte at Wreaths Across America before everyone started to lay all the wreaths. Fortunately, all 5,172 wreaths were placed on the graves of Veterans, unless a Star of David is on the tombstone.

 This is a photo of Carol Jutte in 2017 at Wreaths Across America. Look how beautiful the cemetery is with all the wreaths placed on the graves.

               Phyllis Wilson, WAA manager of four sponsorship groups. The Brunswick Town DAR Chapter, The US Daughters of 1812, The Lord Craven Colonial Dames Chapter, and The Daughters of Colonial America

Thank you, Alan P. Curtner, Webmaster & Road Captain CMA Knights of the Light, Wilmington, NC, for sharing some photos for our blog. Thank you, Caron Myers, Rebecca Chapman, and Keidra Koenig, for your photos. Other photos taken by blog manager Phyllis Wilson.

Photos from the Cape Fear Scottish Immigration Memorial Dedication at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson in Winnabow on November 14, 2025

 

The Cape Fear Scots Memorial held a dedication ceremony on November 14th at 2:00 pm. If you attended the October 4th meeting or read the minutes, you will know that our chapter is donating $ 2,000.00 for a 12 x 18 engraved brick, which may be ready in time for the dedication. 

Why is this cairn here?

​Brunswick Town was the “First Footing” for many early Highland Scottish Immigrants, with more than 20,000 stepping foot on American soil less than 100 yards from this spot. The Cape Fear area and the Scots who came here were fundamental in establishing the cultural and political foundations of North Carolina. It is the beginning of the North Carolina Scottish Immigration Trek, representing the journey of many of the first settlers. The stones around the base are actual ballast stones from Scotland.

A cairn is a human-made pile or stack of stones, often used as a memorial. Cairns have been used throughout history in many cultures and can be found in various locations around the world. They serve a practical purpose, like guiding travelers or marking a significant spot, but can also have a symbolic or ceremonial meaning. They are common in areas where there aren't obvious paths to help people find their way.

When did they come?

The major migration of Scots from Scotland to North Carolina occurred between the 1730s and the early 1800s. The first wave began in 1739 with the Argyle Colony, granted land and support by Royal Governor Gabriel Johnston. Thousands arrived in the 1760s and early 1770s, often settling in communities where other Gaelic speakers already lived. Scottish immigration slowed after the American Revolutionary War, partly due to changing British emigration policies.

Why North Carolina?

​North Carolina, particularly the Cape Fear River Valley, offered cheap land, community, cultural freedom, and opportunity, all supported by a colonial government eager to welcome them. Highland Scots, many of whom were poor tenant farmers in Scotland, were attracted by the chance to own and farm their own land. Early settlers sent letters back to Scotland, encouraging others to join them. This created a chain migration effect, where families followed relatives or clan members. North Carolina became the most concentrated Highland Scottish settlement in colonial America.

                                         

Former 1812 President Carol Jutte presented a $2000 check to Bob McLeod, president of the Scottish Immigration Memorial Fund, for the purchase of a paver with the chapter's name on it.

A cairn is a human-made pile or stack of stones, often used as a memorial. Cairns have been used throughout history in many cultures and can be found in various locations around the world. They serve a practical purpose, like guiding travelers or marking a significant spot, but can also have a symbolic or ceremonial meaning. They are common in areas where there aren't obvious paths to help people find their way.

Information provided by the Brunswick Town website.

This photo shows some 1812 and Lord Craven members who attended the November 14, 2025, Cape Fear Scottish Immigration Memorial Dedication at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson in Winnabow, NC.