National Wreaths Across America Day 2022 took place at 3,702 participating locations across the country, including at Arlington National Cemetery, where the program originated. Our heroes were remembered and honored as volunteers safely placed a total of more than 2.7 million veterans’ wreaths on headstones nationwide and saying each name out loud. At Arlington National Cemetery specifically, the Wreaths Across America program saw more than 28,000 volunteers place 257,000 veterans’ wreaths on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022.

As we honor our veterans, we also honor the host grounds for allowing the mission to be fulfilled with a follow-up effort of wreath retirement. Please join us for this year’s wreath retirement known as ‘Wreaths Out’ as volunteers are needed to help with this effort on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery, beginning at 8 am. 

There will be no vehicular access permitted on cemetery grounds until 3 p.m. The public will be permitted to park in the Arlington National Cemetery parking garage beginning at 8 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Rideshare and taxi drivers using Memorial Avenue must drop off adjacent to the Arlington Cemetery Metro stop.

All visitors will be required to pass through the cemetery’s security screening process before entering the cemetery. Prohibited items include large bags or backpacks, firearms and weapons of any type, laser pointers, aerosol containers, soda cans, coolers, picnic baskets, tripods, lighters, screwdrivers (or similar tools), air horns, personal protection sprays and insulated beverage containers. Clear plastic water bottles are permitted.

Tips for volunteers:

• Give vehicles and heavy equipment the right of way and let them pass in roadways.
• Remove only Wreaths Across America veterans’ wreaths. Leave all other wreaths or decorations in place.
• Place wreaths in dumpsters positioned throughout the cemetery.
• When dumpsters are filled, do not pile wreaths next to them. Carry wreaths to unfilled dumpsters.
• Do not jump or climb on wreaths in dumpsters to compress them.

Each of these live, balsam veteran’s wreath was a gift of respect and appreciation, donated by a private citizen or organization and placed on grave markers by volunteers as a small gesture of gratitude for the freedoms Americans enjoy. For centuries, fresh evergreens have been used as a symbol of honor and have served as a living tribute renewed annually. Wreaths Across America believes the tradition represents a living memorial that honors veterans, active-duty military, and their families and when volunteers say the name of a veteran out loud, when placing a veteran’s wreath, it ensures they live on in our memory.

Wreaths Across America would like to thank the dedicated volunteers for their incredible commitment to the mission throughout all of 2022. From the local volunteers, local officials, professional truck drivers and many more, each person has played an important a part in the mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.

This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023.