Pershing County will join more than 3 million Americans this weekend in the annual Wreaths Across America observance, a nationwide effort to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach future generations about the cost of freedom. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, with wreath laying beginning at 10 a.m. across multiple local cemeteries.
Organizers say it is a privilege to continue the tradition here at home, where more than 430 veterans are laid to rest. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate, whether honoring a family member or simply lending support to their community.
Local Leaders at Each Cemetery
Wreath placement will occur at several Pershing County cemeteries:
• Lone Mountain Cemetery — Led by 4-H leaders Leonna and Kirsten. A short ceremony will open the event.
• Big Meadow Cemetery — Led by the Blondheim family.
• Unionville Cemetery — Wreaths will be placed by Joseph Pierce and family.
• Lovelock Indian Cemetery — Wreath laying will follow the Big Meadow ceremony.
Volunteers should arrive 15 minutes early at Lone Mountain or Big Meadow. Those wishing to place a wreath for their own veteran are welcome to do so and should also arrive early. Families unable to attend on Saturday may contact organizers to make arrangements for an early placement.
How to Lay a Wreath Respectfully
The act of placing a wreath is simple but deeply symbolic. Volunteers are asked to take a quiet moment at each headstone, speak the veteran’s name aloud, and make sure the wreath is placed respectfully:
• For upright headstones, place the wreath against the stone with the bow centered at the top, keeping the veteran’s name fully visible.
• For flat markers, lay the wreath flat on the ground with the bow positioned at the base of the marker.
• Do not move wreaths once placed or add a second wreath unless one is specifically assigned to that grave.
• Wreaths should not be placed on headstones marked with a Star of David; instead, volunteers are encouraged to pause, say the veteran’s name, and honor them without leaving a wreath.
• Items left by families—flowers, mementos, or tokens—should not be disturbed.
Each balsam fir wreath is handmade in Maine, and volunteers may notice the greens are slightly compressed from shipping. Organizers recommend gently re-fluffing the wreath and adjusting the bow to the 12-o’clock position before placement.
A Community Tradition With National Roots
Wreaths Across America began in 1992 with a single donation from a Maine tree farm and has grown into one of the nation’s largest volunteer remembrance events. Here in Pershing County, the ceremony remains deeply personal with neighbors honoring neighbors, families sharing stories, and young people learning by example.
Before leaving the cemetery, participants are invited to take a tag from the back of a wreath as a keepsake of the day.
Organizers expressed gratitude to everyone who makes the ceremony possible each year.
“Without the volunteers who show up in the cold, in the wind, year after year this mission could not continue,” one coordinator said.
Wreaths Across America invites every community to pause, remember, and honor. On Saturday, Pershing County will do just that.
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