Wreaths Across America Honors Syracuse Veterans Veterans Honored by Wreaths Across America

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Wreaths Across America makes it away across the country to raise awareness and donations for U.S. veterans. The organization has made itself known for laying wreaths on the graves of soldiers every December 18.

People across the country sponsor a wreath for a fallen soldier while Wreaths Across America representatives tour the nation educating communities about the importance of honoring veterans, such as the one that took place Sunday at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Wreaths Across America’s Stefan Brann explained how the root of these events is directed to bringing veterans and their communities together — creating a space where these veterans can feel the appreciation for their service and bring awareness to the efforts to make sure these names are not forgotten. 

Sunday’s event helped honor 16 Vietnam veterans as well as received donations for 1,200 wreaths to be placed on the fallen soldiers at Woodlawn. The cemetery has soldiers all the way from the Civil War to Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers. 

Woodlawn Cemetery’s Kathryn Wood put this “labor of love” together to bring Wreath Across America to Syracuse and raise awareness of their struggle. Wood explained the importance of the wreath, as it ensures they are remembered and “welcomed home.” Their wreath goal is to hit 8,100 wreaths by December 18 to ensure every soldier buried at the cemetery has a wreath and that their name will be spoken on National Wreaths Across America Day.