From staff reports

LEXINGTON — Local volunteers are working hard to ensure all veterans laid to rest at Camp Nelson National Cemetery are honored in December on National Wreaths Across America Day.

National Wreaths Across America Day is a free event and is open to all.

“Every donation and wreath sponsorship is a meaningful gift from an appreciative supporter who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy,” Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America, said. “We are so grateful to the citizens of Central Kentucky for participating in our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.”

This year, the ceremony, which is hosted simultaneously across the country at more than 1,200 locations, will be Saturday, Dec. 15.

The goal of the event is to place a live balsam fir wreath at the headstone of every veteran buried and spread patriotism and commemoration for the ultimate sacrifices they made for our country.

From now until late November, the local Camp Nelson WAA coordinating committee is requesting the help of volunteers who can host fundraisers in order to sponsor the 15,000 wreaths needed to honor every veteran at Camp Nelson Cemetery.

Community groups, youth organizations, civic groups and businesses are encouraged to participate. So far, 2,200 wreaths have been sponsored.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission — Remember, Honor, Teach — is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 1,200 veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. 

For more information, to donate or to sign up to volunteer visit

www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/KYCNNN or

contact Ann Reid Hamlin at ann.hamlin@uky.edu.