Greenville Gears Up for Heartwarming Wreaths Across America Weekend
This weekend in Greenville, volunteers from all walks of life will step up to pay a beautiful tribute to our cherished military veterans. It’s all part of the annual Wreaths Across America celebration, a heartwarming event organized by a nonprofit that aims to make sure no hero is ever forgotten. With the holiday season upon us, it’s a special way to honor those who bravely served our country.
A Nationwide Event with Local Hearts
Sprouting from humble beginnings in 2007 by Morrill Worcester, this initiative has blossomed into something incredible, bringing together over two million volunteers across 4,600 locations in all fifty states! On the second and third Saturdays of December, these dedicated souls gather to lay live wreaths on veterans’ headstones and say their names aloud, reminding everyone of their legacy. This year, an outpouring of love and support is expected in the Upstate, especially in Greenville and surrounding areas.
Events Scheduled in Upstate
Mark your calendars for December 14, as several local ceremonies are planned:
- Woodlawn Memorial Park: Kicking off the day at noon, this site boasts around 4,000 veteran gravesites. Thanks to the amazing Greenville Harley Owners Group, all the graves will have wreaths, with additional wreaths going to other sites!
- The City of Mauldin: Their ceremony runs from 11-11:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial in the Cultural Center. A warm welcome from city officials and a presentation of colors will set the tone as they share their goal of placing a minimum of 120 wreaths across various cemeteries in the area.
- Green Lawn Cemetery: With a focus on section 71, which holds 6,000 veteran graves, this event at 11 a.m. hopes to cover at least 1,250 graves. So far, they’ve secured 860 wreaths, and red arrows will guide volunteers through the area!
- Floyd’s Greenlawn Memorial Gardens: Expect a moving ceremony starting at noon, where volunteers aim to cover every single one of the 1,000 veteran graves. They currently need to sponsor about 850 wreaths more to reach their goal!
- Springhill Memorial Garden: Join them at 10 a.m. in partnership with the American Legion Post 48. With 267 wreaths already sponsored, every veteran grave will be honored.
- Nazareth Presbyterian Church: At noon, they’ll place wreaths on 270 graves, showcasing the community spirit as they’ve raised 296 sponsorships so far!
- Liberty Memorial Garden: This ceremony will kick off at noon with community members welcome to join and help celebrate our heroes.
- Inman Area Cemetery and Triangle Clemson Club will also participate at noon, needing the community’s support to sponsor wreaths for their 100 and 177 graves, respectively.
Ready to Volunteer or Sponsor?
If you’re looking for a way to get involved, the time is now! Many locations still need volunteers to help lay the wreaths or sponsor them. The love and effort put into these ceremonies touch the hearts of families who have lost loved ones, allowing us all to come together as a community
On December 15, even more opportunities will arise. Families, including children, are encouraged to take part in this beautiful family-oriented event, so feel free to bring everyone along!
Participate in Honoring Our Heroes
Grab your family, friends, and neighbors, and head out this weekend to join in on this incredible labor of love. Whether you lay a wreath or just say a few words in honor of a fallen hero, your participation makes a profound impact. Wreaths Across America isn’t just about wreaths; it’s about connecting with our past, celebrating our heroes, and ensuring their stories live on through us.
This weekend in Greenville promises to not only be a reminder of our brave veterans but a celebration of community spirit and gratitude. Join the movement and make a difference!
