In January, Wreaths Across America announced its theme for 2024: “Live with Purpose.” Each year, millions of volunteers and patriots gather in local, state and national cemeteries across the United States and abroad to pay tribute to our nation’s service members and their families. This year’s theme draws inspiration from the remarkable stories of these volunteers, whose impactful work in their communities is a beacon of inspiration.

Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America, shared her thoughts on why this theme is so important: “Over the course of the last year – and then especially on the escort to Arlington last December – I listened to people who had gone through great adversity. They’d taken that adversity and turned it around as a call to action to spend the rest of their lives making sure that every day was meaningful and that they lived with purpose. For me, to live with purpose is a mindset.”

Wreaths Across America will also offer a monthly video series and corresponding lesson plans that speak to the “10 bouquets” that make up a veteran’s wreath – the 10 attributes the organization believes define our nation’s service members. wreathsacrossamerica.org