REMEMBER the Fallen. . . HONOR those who Serve. . . TEACH our children the value of Freedom.

Welcome to VA0790 - Freedom's Cadence's Wreaths Across America Page. This Sponsorship Group was started by 11 year old Cadence Smeltzer, in 2020, in an effort to make sure that every veteran buried at Yorktown Cemetery receives a wreath this and every holiday season, honoring their service and sacrifice for this great nation. Cadence has volunteered her time since 2017, in both acquiring wreath sponsorships, as well as participating in the wreath laying ceremonies held each December.  Each year, she gained more and more sponsorships, but was devastated to see that Yorktown Cemetery repeatedly fell short of its goal, meaning many graves were left without a wreath. 

Cadence decided to create her own Sponsorship Group in 2020 and increased her normal sponsorship goal by 300%. With the incredible support from her family, friends, and community, Cadence raised $11,000 last year, which in turn purchased 1,100 wreaths for veterans.  Cadence's efforts were featured in the local newspaper, on several local news stations, as well as in the Langley AFB newspaper. She ensured that every veteran buried at Yorktown National Cemetery received a wreath for Christmas.  Not only was Yorktown National Cemetery completely covered, but she helped to honor veterans buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery (Portsmouth, VA), Arlington National Cemetery (Washington, DC), and a small cemetery in New Jersey.

In 2021, Cadence once again set a high sponsorship goal for herself. She ended the season getting sponsorships for 426 wreaths over four different cemeteries.  She once again insured that Yorktown National Cemetery was fully sponored and also Cedar Grove Cemetery in Portsmouth, VA as well. Yorktown National Cemetery and Cedar Grove Cemetery have been fully funded every year since.  For 2024, Cadence has started her fundraising goals at 500 wreaths. She is determined to exceed this goal and do her part in ensuring that every veteran buried at Yorktown Cemetery and Cedar Grove Cemetery are once again honored and remembered this holiday season.  And new for 2024, once she has met her goals of filling both of these cemeteries, she hopes to help honor some of 33,000 veterans buried at Hampton National Cemetery too. Would you consider helping her with her mission?

REMEMBER FOR EVERY 2 WREATHS SPONSORED, AN ADDITIONAL WREATH IS PLACED AT NO EXTRA COST!!

On December 14, 2024 (See location pages for ceremony and wreath placement details), VA0790 - Freedom's Cadence will be helping Yorktown National Cemetery to Remember and Honor our veterans by laying Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes.

Please help us honor and remember as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring remembrance wreaths, volunteering on Wreaths Day, or inviting your family and friends to attend with you.

Thank you so much for supporting Cadence, her group VA0790 - Freedom's Cadence and Wreaths Across America!