‘Wreaths Across Chattanooga’ Seeking Volunteers & Donations

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – Military organizations in Chattanooga are coming together this holiday season to see a wreath is placed on each of the thousands of gravestones at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

The placement of these wreaths will be during a ceremony held at the cemetery pavilion, on Saturday, December 15th, at noon. The Chattanooga National Cemetery is located at 1200 Bailey Avenue.

Specially designated wreaths for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and POW/MIA will be placed on memorials during a ceremony.

“Wreaths Across America exist today because of the individuals and communities across the country who want to do something to show their gratitude,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “Placing a wreath is a simple gesture, but people coming together across the country to Remember, Honor and Teach, is what makes us all a part of a larger community of Americans.”

Although many believe wreaths are placed on every grave marker at Chattanooga National Cemetery, only enough funds or donations cover around 10,000 of the 43,000 headstones. With more than two dozen non-profit groups still seeking individual sponsorships, Chattanooga is on pace to reach the 10,000 wreaths mark in time for the ceremony.

As of last week, there were approximately 3,000 wreaths sponsored.

The mission of Wreaths Across Chattanooga is to lay a wreath on every gravestone at Chattanooga National, in remembrance of the Chattanooga area veterans who served the country.

Volunteers are needed to help place wreaths following the ceremony on Saturday.

If you would like to sponsor a wreath, or would like more information, visit www.ChattanoogaWAA.com