Wreaths Across America

Our club is a proud participant in National “Wreaths Across America” Day, a movement to cover all Veterans’ grave markers with a Christmas wreath.  “Wreaths” started over 30 years ago and is observed annually on the 3rd Saturday in December.

“Remember. Honor. Teach.”  This is the mission of “Wreaths Across America.”  By coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and other veterans’ cemeteries around the country, “Wreaths Across America” strives to remember our fallen heroes, honor those who serve, and teach our children about the selfless sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedom.

The O’Fallon Rotary Club has participated in this event for the last six years. During that time we’ve grown from covering just one local cemetary to six. In 2022, we placed nearly 800 wreaths with the help of other organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, JROTC, Daughters of the American, and the OTHS Interact Club. These local efforts are part of a larger picture. In total, over 2 million volunteers helped lay nearly 2.5 million wreaths in 2022.

To help fund this project, our club partners with the local McAlister’s Deli throughout the year. On select nights, Rotary members help bus tables and in return the restaurant donates 10% of that evenings revenue to the cause.

You can learn more about “Wreaths Across America” on their official website. If you are interested in getting involved, let us know through the Contact Us form.