Wreaths Across America at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery

Wreaths Across America is an organization that has a mission to place a holiday wreath on each fallen heroes grave across America. They rely on local civic groups, scout troops, school & church groups, corporate sponsors, as well as everyday citizens to help them with fundraising for the project. Currently they have 2100+ cemeteries enrolled in the program...and growing!

National Wreaths Across America day was hosted on December 19th, 2019 and we participated in the ceremony and volunteered our time to lay Christmas wreaths at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery located in Lebanon County, Annville Pennsylvania. Hundreds of volunteers showed up to give a hand. You can learn more about the program at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery by clicking HERE. 

This was our first time volunteering for a project like this and learned a lot. For example...the wreaths only go on Christian graves. If the grave is marked Jewish...we didn't place a wreath. Next...you carry only one wreath at a time and place it on the grave. Once properly placed you go back for a second wreath and so on. By carrying and placing only one wreath at a time you're showing respect to an American hero. 

We spent 5 1/2 hours laying wreaths on the graves and it was a very humbling experience. As we laid the wreath we read off the information contained on the headstone or memorial marker. It's a very respectful way to honor them and a great learning experience for the entire family. You'll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when you're done. We will be volunteering again next year.

You can visit the Wreaths Across America website to learn more about the organization. They have a section on their site where you can sign-up to volunteer, sponsor a wreath, how to invite friends & family to participate and where you can attend the next wreath laying ceremony. Don't let our brave men and women be forgotten! Consider volunteering or sponsoring a wreath today. 

Photographs contained in this feature are copyright 2019 Pennsylvania and Beyond Travel Blog. You can double-click on each photo to have it open up in a new browsing window and in an enlarged size to see all details.