Wreaths Across America is proud to host the MOWW and showcase the Massing of the Colors during the Annual Dinner and Appreciation Rally held in Washington D.C. on December 13, 2024, the eve of National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, December 14, 2024.

Jenna Tomas is a military spouse and professional who is passionate about connecting nonprofits with communities. She’s the Outreach Program Manager for the Military Order of the World Wars. “My husband was active duty in the Navy for ten years and he recently got out,” Jenna shared of her background. “I got into nonprofit work when he was stationed in Hawaii.” Jenna joined the MOWW a little over a year ago. “With my military background it was a wonderful fit for me. They’re an excellent organization filled with good people who are trying to better their communities.”

Wreaths Across America partners with like-minded organizations as the pillars of the mission are to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. It’s easy to understand the compatibility between the two organizations. “Every aspect of our seven outreach programs is designed to support and strengthen communities.  We support veterans, we support the youth, homeland security and national security, police and fire emergency services, scouting programs and Jr ROTC and ROTC programs.” The MOWW, founded in 1919, was traditionally an “officers only” organization, but Jenna explains they recently updated membership eligibility to include Senior Enlisted and it covers all military veterans, not just those from World Wars I and II."

The Massing of the Colors ceremony, whether simple or elaborate, is the “signature event” for the MOWW. The Society of the Massing of the Colors first held the patriotic ceremony on Armistice Day in 1922. Similar to Wreaths Across America continuing the mission of the Freeport Flag Ladies, MOWW inherited the responsibility for conducting the Massing of the colors activities across the country in 1927 when the original sponsoring Society faded away. These ceremonies can take place indoors or outside, and usually involve color guard units from: Active-Duty, Reserve and National Guard military units; Senior and Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) units; armed services auxiliary organizations; state militias; veteran and civic groups; police, sheriff and fire departments; and Boy and Girl Scout organizations. There are definite protocols which need to be adhered to for the ceremony.

On Friday evening, the Massing of the Colors Grand Marshal will be MOWW's Commander-in- Chief, David J. Worley, Lt Col, USAF (Ret). He’ll be supported by the Northern Virginia Chapter (VA), General Meade Chapter (MD), and the Major General Wade Chapter (DC). While it certainly will not conclude with a military fly-over as some more elaborate, outdoor ceremonies do, it’s sure to induce a strong emotion based in patriotism and pride. “When you see it, you probably will get goosebumps,” Jenna explained. “It’s quite an event. It’s solemn and patriotic and it makes you feel grateful for all the sacrifices of our service members that the colors represent.”

Jenna wants to be sure schools with a JROTC or ROTC program know their cadets are eligible for the MOWW’s Award of Merit Program so be sure to check out their website for more details.

You can hear more with Jenna Tomas on Teachable Takeaways, Wednesday morning at 7:15 AM ET on December 11, 2024 on Wreaths Across America Radio.