Wreaths Across America

Gravesites honored with wreaths create a beautiful setting around monuments at Andersonville National Cemetery.

NPS/H. Peacock

 

Each December Andersonville National Historic Site participates in the Wreaths Across America program as a special way to honor and remember the sacrifice of military service members during the holiday season. Wreaths sponsored through the nonprofit Wreaths Across America organization are delivered to and placed on gravesites in national cemeteries across the country, including Andersonville National Cemetery. Sponsored wreaths can be designated for placement on the specific grave of a loved one, or left undesignated and placed on one of thousands of gravesites that otherwise may not be visited or honored.

With the invaluable help and support of Bennett International, the Taylor Family Foundation, Wreaths Across America, Friends of Andersonville, the American Ex-Prisoners of War, and other partners, thousands of wreaths are brought to Andersonville National Cemetery each year. Our shared goal is to honor each of the over 20,000 gravesites in the cemetery with a wreath.

2023 Event Information

Wreaths Across America 2023 event activities will begin on Friday December 15 from 1pm-4pm with the wreath arrival. The main event will take place at noon on Saturday, December 16, in Andersonville National Cemetery. Volunteers can either bring the completed registration form below with them or arrive at 9:30am to register.

The public is invited to attend a small ceremony to be held at the Rostrum at noon, when wreaths honoring each branch of military service will be presented. Limited seating will be available. Immediately following the ceremony, the public will be invited to help place wreaths on graves in Andersonville National Cemetery as a way to honor and remember those who served our country.

Wreaths will be picked up on January 22nd, volunteers would be welcomed to assist with wreath pick up.

For more information, call the park at 229-924-0343 ext 1 or email the park at [e-mail].

To Help Place Wreaths:

• Individuals must complete the park's individual volunteer form and photo release form. You can print and complete these forms and bring them with you, or you can complete these forms at the park after you arrive.
• Families and Groups must complete the park's group volunteer form (one form for the entire family or group) and photo release form. You can print and complete these forms and bring them with you, or you can complete these forms at the park after you arrive.

Honor the Forgotten - Sponsor a Wreath

Thousands of veterans buried at Andersonville seem forgotten, never visited by friends or family. Placing a wreath on their graves is a simple yet beautiful way to honor and remember the lives they lived, the holidays they missed while serving their country, and the sacrifices they made for our freedom.

If you, your family, organization, or business is interested in sponsoring one or more 20" Frasier Fir wreaths, please visit the Wreaths Across America page for Andersonville National Cemetery.

Remember a Loved One

Beginning December 1, wreaths and floral blankets no larger than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted in the cemetery. Please contact your local florist to order an appropriate floral decoration. Wreaths should be brought to the gravesite in person or delivered by a florist. To find the location of a specific grave, please visit the National Cemetery Administration's Nationwide Gravesite Locator.