2026 Wreaths Across America Ceremony

2026 Theme: "Remember Me"
This year, Wreaths Across America calls us to go beyond honoring veterans as a group — and to truly remember them as individuals. Each one had a name, a family, and a story. This December 19th, we pause to say: We remember you.
Our Story
What began as a single act of remembrance has grown into one of Lynchburg's most beloved patriotic traditions. Since 2007, the Old City Cemetery Museum & Arboretum has been the host location for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony, and this December marks our 19th year of gathering as a community to remember, honor, and teach.
About This Sacred Place
Old City Cemetery is one of Lynchburg's most treasured historic landmarks — and one of the most remarkable veteran burial grounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Nestled on beautiful, historic grounds at 401 Taylor Street, the cemetery is the final resting place of approximately 2,475 veterans, with graves spanning from the American Revolution through the Iran Conflict — nearly every major American conflict in our nation's history. These are not just graves. These are stories. These are lives.
You are encouraged to visit this beautiful local attraction any time, we their website for hours gates open and museum hours. www.gravegarden.org or visit their Facebook page
The 2026 Ceremony
Join us as we place sponsored balsam wreaths on the graves of our nation's heroes in a moving patriotic ceremony featuring:
🎺 Trumpeters & Bagpipers
🎶 Patriotic Songs & Choirs
🇺🇸 Color Guard
🎙️ Keynote Speakers & Community Leaders
🌿 Wreath-laying on veterans' graves
When you place a wreath, you step back, give a salute, and say their name out loud — so they are never forgotten.
The wreaths remain on display through mid-January, so if you can't make the ceremony, come by and walk the grounds at your own pace.
How You Can Help — Sponsor a Wreath
Every wreath is $17 and represents one life, one hero, one story worth remembering. You can sponsor in honor of a loved one, a neighbor, or simply choose to let a hero be remembered. Every dollar goes further than the wreath itself — supporting Wreaths Across America's year-round mission.
🔗 Sponsor a Wreath: wreathsacrossamerica.org/VA1076
Can't sponsor but want to help? Volunteer to help with fundraising, event planning or lay wreaths the day of the ceremony — it's an experience you won't forget.
Bring your kids, your scout troop, your church group, or your entire office. There's room for everyone.
Bring a chair, bring a blanket, and bring someone who needs to be reminded what this season is really about.
Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. Reach out if you are interested in volunteering to do fundraising or general day of participation.
\#RememberMe | \#WreathsAcrossAmerica | \#OldCityCemetery | \#LynchburgVA | \#WAA2026