Wreaths Across America Honors Veterans
On December 13, 2025, National Wreaths Across America Day took place at over 5,400 participating locations across the country. Our nation’s heroes were remembered.
Over three million volunteers, a third of whom were children, helped place more than 3 million veterans’ wreaths on headstones of our fallen across the country.
Wreaths Across America ceremonies were held locally at five locations: Salem Cemetery (Teague), Shanks Cemetery (Teague), Woodland Cemetery (Kirvin), Wortham Cemetery including Blind Lemon Memorial Cemetery (Wortham), and the Veterans Remembrance Park- Teague.
During the ceremonies, approximately 800 veteran heroes were remembered as each name was said aloud and honored. Wreaths were placed at headstones/markers by family members and community volunteers.
When each wreath is placed, the servicemember’s name is said out loud, this ensures their memory lives on.
Each live, balsam veteran’s wreath was a gift of respect and appreciation, sponsored by an individual or organization and placed on a headstone 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.
The wreaths were placed not to remember the veterans’ deaths, but their lives.
The Jonathan Hardin Chapter (JHC), National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), would like to thank the community, District #22 Masonic Lodges, the Fairfield VFW Post #5872, volunteers, generous sponsors, and area officials for coming together in unity and supporting those who have protected our freedom.
Each person has played an important part in the mission to “Remember the fallen,” “Honor those that serve and their families,” and “Teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
Many ask- how can my cemetery participate? Wreaths Across America, a non-profit organization is very supportive in assisting individuals and groups in setting up a cemetery as a registered site.
First, there must be a team of two or more people who want to make this happen. Second, the cemetery must agree to be a registered locati c on.
If you want to hear more from a local point of contact- call or email Beth Harrison, WAA Sponsorship Group Leader for the Jonathan Hardin Chapter, NSDAR. — harrisonmb@windstream.net or at (903) 388-7056.
The next National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026.
For more information, or to sponsor a wreath, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/TX1128P.
Highlights of Local
WAA Ceremonies
–Woodland Cemetery-Kirvin
Woodland Cemetery in Kirvin had its first WAA ceremony. Jerry Christian, Teresa Duke, and Diane Pullin had a vision to see their 129 veterans honored and remembered. Mrs. Pullin commented, “We were thrilled with the turn-out young and old! We are looking forward to next year!” Their chapel was packed with families and friends.
–Shanks Cemetery – Teague
Mr. Donovan Lee Smith, US Navy Veteran, and President of the Shanks Cemetery Association, led the ceremony at the Shanks Cemetery located in Teague. This is their second year participating with WAA. Forty-seven veterans were remembered. Coordinators Sue Persons and Bonnie Smith thanked everyone for their participation in this year’s ceremony.
Salem Cemetery – Teague
Nancy McSwane, Salem Cemetery Association Secretary and her husband Marshall McSwane have been an integral part of the cemetery’s participation with WAA. This was their 3rd year ceremony led by Scott Holmes. One hundred and three veterans’ names called and wreaths laid at each of their gravesites.
–Wortham Cemetery / Blind Lemon Memorial Cemetery – Wortham
Jacqueline Collins and Spring Johnson with their commitment and energy, led their second WAA ceremony with the largest group of veterans- 327 honored and remembered. Jeffrey Fleming, Wortham High School Freshman shares his musical gift in playing TAPS on trombone at the end of the ceremony. Tremendous support from the community families and friends participate in the ceremony and ensure all veterans receive a remembrance wreath. Mr. Paul Goolsby shared short stories of some of the veterans’ lives and their sacrifices made for our country.
—Veterans Remembrance Park Teague
The Veterans Remembrance Park Teague (VRPT) is a unique location in that no graves are present at the VRPT. This is the second year, the VRPT has participated with WAA.
The ceremony honors all that served in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force, US Merchant Marines, Prisoners of War/Missing in Action.
In addition, we recognize Gold Star families, Bue Star families, and First Responders.
Ceremonial wreaths are placed in remembrance of those who served. Remembrance wreaths are sponsored by family and friends of veterans that are buried at other locations or are recognized on the ‘Honor Wall” or “Honor Benches”.
VRPT Board President, Dianne Horton, and Board Directors: Richard Gillet, Dennis Hamilton, Beth Harrison, Blake Knoph, Jerry Pickens, and Terri Pryor-Patterson appreciate all the support given to the VRPT. We thank Ginger Pickett, US Navy Veteran, Mr. Cory Hiles (Teague HS Band Director), Kyle Shugart, (FFA, THS) and Grace Smith (Senior, THS) for participating in the ceremony.
