The Gratifying Experience of Participating in Wreaths Across America at the Historic Union Cemetery in Leesburg, VA.

Union Cemetery was established in 1851 as a public cemetery open to people of all faiths.

On December 14th, 2024, Memorial Minders had the distinct honor of participating in the annual Wreaths across America ceremony at Union Cemetery. Wreaths across America takes place at 4,600 location at the same date and time across the country each year. I have participated at the event in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC and the experience was part of Memorial Minders origin story. The Wreaths across America theme for 2024 is to live with purpose and that is also part of the reason I created Memorial Minders. We are dedicated to supporting all families to honor their loved ones. Our purpose is to help take one thing of your busy plate.

Donated wreaths were unpacked and stacked for volunteers to deliver to veteran gravesites

Again it was amazing to be a small part of a big effort to remember that freedom is not free and thousands of people have given their lives and sacrificed time with their families to defend our country. This year we didn't just volunteer, but we sponsored donation of wreaths to support the effort.

The ceremony was hosted by the Leesburg Civil Air Patrol

This deeply moving event brought together community members, veterans, families, and volunteers to remember and honor our nation’s heroes. As an organization devoted to maintaining the final resting places of loved ones, we were profoundly touched to take part in such a meaningful day of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance.

Each service was recognized during the ceremony before volunteers laid wreaths on more than 750 veteran gravesites.

The event was hosted by the Civil Air Patrol, who orchestrated a beautiful ceremony that blended reverence, tradition, and heartfelt participation from the cadets and the volunteers. One of the most powerful moments of the day came during the Honor Circle, where participants gathered to speak the names of the individuals they were honoring. Hearing those names shared aloud was a poignant reminder of the real lives behind the headstones—each one representing a story of courage, sacrifice, and service.

Local scout troops we part of the local volunteers at Union Cemetery in Leesburg, VA

The Meaning Behind Wreaths across America

Wreaths Across America is a national movement dedicated to remembering fallen U.S. veterans, honoring those who serve, and teaching the next generation the value of freedom. Every December, wreaths are laid at the gravesites of veterans across cemeteries nationwide—a symbolic gesture that ensures no hero is ever forgotten. The organization’s mission, “Remember, Honor, and Teach,” resonates deeply with all of us at Memorial Minders.

This year’s ceremony at Union Cemetery was no exception. Volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that each wreath placed conveyed love, respect, and the solemn gratitude we owe to those who defended our nation’s freedoms. From start to finish, the event was a humbling experience and a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of our veterans.

Thousands of wreaths were donated across the 4,600 participating locations in all 50 states.

Memorial Minders: Proud Wreath Sponsors

At Memorial Minders, we feel a deep connection to the traditions and sentiments that Wreaths Across America embodies. That’s why we were proud to sponsor wreaths for Union Cemetery this year. Our mission to care for gravesites aligns seamlessly with Wreaths Across America’s vision of honoring those who have gone before us.

For us, sponsoring wreaths isn’t just about placing greenery on graves; it’s about ensuring that the memories of our heroes remain alive. It’s about showing their families that their loved ones are not forgotten—that their service continues to be honored and appreciated. Seeing the wreaths placed with such care and reverence reminded us why we do what we do: to preserve, honor, and celebrate lives that made a difference.

Wreath laid at a veteran's grave. Unfortunately a couple civilian headstones in the background have tipped. At most cemeteries, gravestones are the responsibility of the families. We work with our families to help address these issues with the cemetery and monument makers.

Our commitment doesn’t end with events like Wreaths Across America. As part of our year-round dedication to supporting veterans and their families, Memorial Minders volunteers regularly check in and clean veteran gravesites. It’s one small way we ensure these heroes' resting places are treated with the care and respect they deserve—and we take pride in taking one thing off their families’ busy plates.

The Ceremony: A Day of Remembrance and Unity

The day began with a crisp winter morning, setting a somber yet serene tone for the ceremony. Union Cemetery, already a place of quiet reflection, was transformed into a sanctuary of shared remembrance. Members of the Civil Air Patrol led the event with grace and professionalism, creating a seamless experience that honored both veterans and their families.

The honor guard placing a special wreath for each branch of the military.

One of the most memorable portions of the day was the Honor Circle. Participants were invited to share the name of a veteran they were remembering. This simple act—speaking a name aloud—was both powerful and healing. It served as a collective acknowledgment that these men and women are more than names on stone; they are loved ones, heroes, friends, and role models.

The Honor Circle with participants saying the name and service for a veteran they are honoring.

As names echoed through the circle, you could feel a deep connection among the participants. Tears were shed, smiles were exchanged, and hands were clasped in shared understanding. Some spoke of grandparents who served in World War II, while others remembered parents, siblings, or friends lost more recently. Each name was a reminder of the sacrifices made and the legacy left behind.

Hearing these stories reinforced the importance of Wreaths Across America’s mission. It isn’t just about honoring the fallen; it’s about ensuring that their memories live on, teaching younger generations about their courage, and fostering gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Why This Event Matters

For Memorial Minders, the Wreaths Across America ceremony is a reflection of our core values: care, remembrance, and respect. Participating in this event reminded us of the critical role cemeteries play in preserving history and providing a place for families to reconnect with loved ones. Events like this create opportunities for healing and ensure that no sacrifice is overlooked.

As we placed wreaths on the graves, we were struck by the quiet beauty of the moment. Each wreath felt like a promise—a promise that these heroes will not be forgotten, that their stories will be told, and that their service will continue to inspire future generations.

It’s easy to become consumed by the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but standing among the rows of headstones at Union Cemetery brought everything into perspective. We were reminded of the debt we owe to those who fought for our country and the importance of pausing to express gratitude.

Many veterans also were volunteer firefighters.

A Lasting Impact

The ceremony may have lasted only a few hours, but its impact will stay with us for a lifetime. The experience of standing alongside others—family members, veterans, and fellow community members—was humbling. It was a day of unity, where differences were set aside to honor a shared truth: freedom isn’t free.

We were also deeply moved by the dedication of the Civil Air Patrol. Their commitment to organizing such a meaningful event reflects their passion for honoring veterans and serving the community. Their efforts ensured that the day was not only respectful but also deeply personal for everyone in attendance.

Moving Forward

As Memorial Minders reflects on this incredible day, we are filled with gratitude. Participating in Wreaths Across America has renewed our commitment to honoring and preserving the memories of those who came before us. We are inspired to continue our work with even greater passion, knowing that every grave we care for represents a life worth remembering.

We also encourage others to get involved in Wreaths Across America. Whether you sponsor a wreath, volunteer to place them, or simply attend a ceremony, your participation makes a difference. It’s an opportunity to give back, to remember, and to teach future generations about the sacrifices made for our freedom. The event will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Final Thoughts

December 14th, 2024, will remain a cherished memory for all of us at Memorial Minders. Participating in the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Union Cemetery was a profound and humbling experience—one that reminded us of the power of remembrance, the importance of community, and the enduring legacy of our nation’s heroes.

To those we honored that day: we remember you, we honor you, and we are forever grateful for your service.

As we continue our mission at Memorial Minders, we will carry the spirit of Wreaths Across America with us, ensuring that every life, every story, and every sacrifice is preserved with the dignity and respect it deserves.

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