Wreaths Across America (WAA) has unveiled “Live with Purpose” as its theme for the 2024 holiday season.
“[The theme was] inspired by the remarkable stories of WAA volunteers whose work has been impactful in the surrounding communities as a beacon of inspiration for all,” according to a news release.
Karen Worcester, the executive director of WAA, shared that she feels this theme perfectly fits with key attributes of not only the organization’s mission and its volunteers but also our nation’s military.
“Over the course of the last year, and then especially on the escort to Arlington last December, I listened to people who had gone through great adversity, and they’d taken that adversity and turned it around as a call to action to spend the rest of their lives making sure that every day was meaningful and that they lived with purpose,” she said. “For me, to live with purpose is a mindset.”
Scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, National Wreaths Across America Day marks a tradition of nearly 32 years where millions of volunteers and veterans converge to pay respects to fallen service members and their families. This tribute involves placing wreaths at the gravesites in national cemeteries across the country.
Under the overarching theme of “Live with Purpose,” WAA plans to engage the community through monthly videos and corresponding lesson plans, starting next month in February. These resources will delve into the symbolism of the 10 bouquets constituting a veteran’s wreath.
In the previous year, volunteers placed over 3 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths on headstones at 4,225 locations globally, emphasizing the widespread impact and participation in this heartfelt initiative. WAA’s commitment extends beyond the designated National Wreaths Across America Day, as volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to uphold the ethos of “Remember, Honor, and Teach.” Each name is spoken aloud during this process, acknowledging the profound sacrifices made by veterans for the nation’s freedom.
Wreaths Across America emphasizes that this event is free and open to everyone, encouraging community members to actively participate by either volunteering locally or sponsoring a wreath for an American hero. For comprehensive details and further updates, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org and follow the progress here.
Source: The Trucker
