Directions to Cemetery

Navigation systems do an adequate job finding the cemetery. When you arrive, please follow the direction of the staff for parking and cemetery section selection. 

All volunteers, with the exception of those with handicap placards will park off site and take the provided shuttle to the cemetery. Please allow an additional 30 minutes for this process. Announcement of location will be on this website and our Facebook page @waacamrnc.

Parking Instructions

We have over 3,300 volunteers registered to place wreaths. This means congestion and offsite parking.

ALL volunteer parking will be offsite, unless you have a CURRENT DMV issued handicap placard. Please arrive at the cemetery no earlier than 8:15 am. Vans will be available to transport you to the ceremony.

The offsite location is the VA employee overflow parking area at 6435 Miramar Rd. This is on the eastbound side of Miramar Rd. Sun Diego busses (provided by Manpower, Inc) will shuttle you to the cemetery from 7:30 and will conclude with the last bus leaving the cemetery at 11:30.

If you wish to attend a smaller, less crowded event, there are 8 smaller locations participating this year in the San Diego area.

Singing Hills, El Cajon Cemetery, Greenwood Memorial, Glen Abbey Memorial, Fallbrook Masonic, Valley Center, Oak Hills in Escondido, and San Marcos Cemetery.

Ceremony and Volunteer Information

We are happy that you are willing to help with our Wreath Across America ceremony at Miramar National Cemetery. Please do not forget to register to volunteer! That way you will get all updates about the cemetery itself.

Here are some things to remember about the ceremony:

• Everyone of all ages and backgrounds is welcome.
• During the ceremony, listen to etiquette instructions and how to properly place a wreath.
• Follow the instructions of the section leaders among the graves.
• If you observe a child exhibiting actions not appropriate for hallowed grounds (running, yelling, throwing things) PLEASE teach them the proper behavior. Even if they aren't yours. I really does take a village.
• To properly place a wreath, respectfully approach the headstone, say the name out loud, gently and with respect lay the wreath against the stone with the bow in the 12:00 position. Fluff the bow and make sure all is in order before moving to your next area. 
• We especially appreciate volunteers willing to help clean-up. Please check in with the location coordinator if you are interested in helping with the clean-up.
• See the overview or parking section for updates on parking issues.

The most important thing to remember is to have a wonderful experience participating in the ceremony and thank you so much for help Wreaths achieve our mission to remember, honor and teach.