Here at Wreaths Across America headquarters in Maine, it has been a month full of fellowship, sharing, learning, and teaching.

Most recently at a summit that brought convoy support Law Enforcement Officers together with Gold Star Families and our staff, tissue boxes were passed around to the weeping participants sitting in a circle as the life stories of their loved ones were told. 

These are stories that made us cry, sometimes laugh, but always bring us closer to proud family members who instill in us through a personal connection, the real cost of freedom.

Often these heartfelt stories are shared in answer to one question: “What is your why?”

I found myself coming away from that poignant exercise, after voicing my own answer, with an even deeper commitment to our “cause” than ever.

So as I attempt to share these thoughts with you today, I have resorted to the world wide web for help to further explain the power of these exchanges.

First question I looked up was, what does “What Is Your Why” mean?

Per the internet, your “Why” is a statement of purpose that describes why you do the work you do and why you live the lifestyle you do. It is your calling. It is your conviction.

And so it is for many of you who volunteer for Wreaths Across America. Inspired by someone who served and sacrificed displaying great courage and character, you work tirelessly to remember, honor and teach. Your commitment to the “why” has been a beacon bringing others to a better understanding to the true cost of freedom.

On Dec 17^th the culmination of the work you do will not only see more than 2,500,000 veterans honored but will galvanize the patriotism of literally millions of others.

On National Wreaths Across America Day we will shed tears, share some laughs, and collectively give thanks for the champions of liberty who have made this Country great. 

For all of these reasons, you are a big part of my “Why”…. And I thank you.

“If your why doesn’t make you cry, it’s not your why,”  Coach Hite.