Honoring Our Heroes: Wreaths Across America at Corinth National Cemetery on December 13
- Anne Childress
- Dec 10
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Every December, communities across the United States come together to honor the brave men and women who served in the armed forces. One of the most meaningful ways this respect is shown is through the laying of wreaths on veterans' graves in national cemeteries. This year, the Corinth National Cemetery in Mississippi will host its local Wreaths Across America event at 11 AM on December 13. This gathering offers a solemn moment to remember those who sacrificed for our freedom.
The Meaning Behind Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America began with a simple but powerful idea: to remember, honor, and teach. Each wreath placed on a veteran’s grave symbolizes gratitude for their service and sacrifice. The circular shape of the wreath represents eternal life, and the evergreen branches signify strength and resilience.
This tradition started in 1992 when a small group of volunteers placed wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide movement involving thousands of volunteers and millions of wreaths. The event serves as a reminder that veterans' sacrifices are not forgotten, especially during the holiday season when families gather and reflect on what matters most.
Why Corinth National Cemetery Matters
Corinth National Cemetery holds a special place in Mississippi’s history. Established during the Civil War, it is the final resting place for many soldiers who fought in some of the most pivotal battles in American history. The cemetery’s peaceful grounds offer a place for reflection and remembrance.
The local Wreaths Across America event at Corinth National Cemetery is more than a ceremony. It is a community effort that brings together families, veterans, and volunteers to honor those who served. The wreath-laying ceremony at 11 AM on December 13 invites everyone to participate in this act of respect and gratitude.
How the Ceremony Unfolds
The wreath-laying ceremony is simple yet profoundly moving. Volunteers gather early to prepare wreaths, each adorned with a red bow and a tag bearing a veteran's name. At the appointed time, participants walk among the rows of headstones, placing a wreath on each grave.
The event often includes:
A moment of silence to honor the fallen
Reading of veterans’ names or stories
Patriotic music or a bugle playing taps
Speeches from local veterans or community leaders
This ceremony connects people of all ages, reminding us of the cost of freedom and the importance of remembering those who paid that price.
How You Can Get Involved
Participating in Wreaths Across America at Corinth National Cemetery is open to everyone. Whether you are a veteran, a family member, or a community supporter, your presence matters. Here are some ways to get involved:
Volunteer to place wreaths: Join the group on December 13 at 11 AM to help lay wreaths on graves.
Sponsor a wreath: Donations help purchase wreaths for veterans who might otherwise go unrecognized.
Spread the word: Share information about the event with friends, family, and local organizations.
Attend the ceremony: Even if you don’t volunteer, attending shows support and respect.
Volunteering is a meaningful way to connect with history and community. Many participants find the experience humbling and inspiring.
The Power of Remembering
The act of laying wreaths is more than tradition. It is a powerful way to keep veterans' memories alive. Each wreath tells a story of courage, sacrifice, and dedication. For families of veterans, it is a moment of comfort and pride. For the community, it is a chance to come together and reflect on shared values.
This year, as wreaths are placed at Corinth National Cemetery, the event will remind us all of the debt owed to those who served. It will inspire gratitude and encourage us to teach future generations about the importance of honoring veterans.
An Original Poem for the Event (I Wrote):
Wreath Laying at the Corinth National Cemetery, 2025
by Anne Hendricks, M.Ed.
The ground is hushed beneath the winter sun,
In Corinth, where the solemn stones all lie.
A sacred duty, once again begun,
Beneath the vast Mississippi sky.
The lines of white, a silent, perfect row
Bear names of heroes from a distant fight,
From Civil War's long, agonizing woe,
To battles fought in freedom's modern light.
And here we gather, not for pomp or show,
But with the green of life to crown each name.
The volunteers arrive in a steady flow,
To feed the flicker of the hallowed flame.
A wreath of balsam, verdant, deep, and true,
A circle closed where service finds its end,
Is lifted by hands both old and new,
A timeless offering, a faithful friend.
We kneel before the marble, cold and clean,
And place the evergreen upon the base.
We speak the name of one we've never seen,
To fill the quiet of this resting place.
“Remember!” is the word the silence keeps,
For every soul that gave their youth and strength.
The promise spoken where the veteran sleeps,
Their legacy is not measured by war's length.
From North to South, from every age and war,
They answer now, as we pronounce their call.
The quiet cypress guards the memory's core,
The wreath acknowledges the cost of all.
A simple gesture, powerful and deep,
A moment standing on the sacred sod,
The pledge we make, the memory we keep:
You are not forgotten, soldier, by your God.
The thousands of green rings upon the white,
Transform the field into a memorial grand,
A silent army, honored in the light,
The grateful tribute of a hopeful land.
Copyright, Anne Hendricks, M.Ed.
Corinth Crossroads, 2025-2026
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