OAK RIDGE, TN — Volunteers supporting Wreaths Across America at Oak Ridge Memorial Park have been working hard. They want to ensure that the 900 service members buried there will indeed be honored again this year with the placement of live, balsam veterans’ wreaths as part of National Wreaths Across America Day 2020.
This year, the ceremonies that are held across the country at more than 2,200 participating locations may look a little different. The national nonprofit is making every effort to meet CDC recommended safety guidelines while also adhering to state, local, and cemetery safety measures that have been implemented due to COVID-19.
At Oak Ridge Memorial Park, the following modifications have been made to maintain a safe and successful event. Social distancing will be maintained and face masks will be required if social distancing cannot be maintained. All events are open air to help make social distancing easier.
A Dedication Program featuring an Honor Guard and the playing of Taps along with the placing of the Wreaths will be the order of the day.
We encourage all those interested in participating in this year’s wreath placement to register to volunteer so that you can be kept up-to-date on details for the day as it gets closer. You can register to volunteer at wreathsacrossamerica.org.
“It is important that during challenging times we all take a moment to remember those who have met and overcome challenges – like our nation’s military and their families – and show unity in our American spirit while we work together in an effort to march forward in the face of what seems to be insurmountable odds,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “We are so grateful to the good people of this great nation for participating in the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.”
National Wreaths Across America Day is a free, non-political event, that is usually open to all people, but this year each individual location will be abiding by all local and state safety guidelines and rules set forth by the participating cemetery locations, at which Wreaths Across America is a guest.
To sponsor a wreath and stay informed about event details, we encourage you to visit wreathsacrossamerica.org. Wreaths Across America is the non-profit organization best known for placing veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of our nation’s fallen at Arlington National Cemetery. However, the organization, in total, places more than 2.2 million sponsored wreaths at over 2200 participating locations nationwide and offers other programs throughout the calendar year, including The Mobile Education Exhibit , Wreaths Across America Radio, and the Wreaths Across America Virtual Concert now streaming on Showcase NOW).
This year’s Wreaths Across America Day is December 19, 2020. For more information or to sponsor a wreath, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
