Department of Georgia American Gold Star Mothers

Participation with Wreaths Across America

The Department of Georgia American Gold Star Mothers is proud to participate in Wreaths Across America (WAA), an organization dedicated to honoring and remembering our nation's veterans. This year, Georgia AGSM has chosen Linwood Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia, as the cemetery we are going to support.

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Linwood Cemetery History

Linwood Cemetery, established in 1828, is one of the oldest and most historic cemeteries in Columbus, Georgia. It is the final resting place for a diverse group of veterans, representing various wars and military conflicts. The cemetery reflects the rich military history of the region and honors those who have served our country with distinction. Veterans from the Civil War, World Wars, Korean War, Vietnam War, and other conflicts are laid to rest here, making it a place of profound historical significance and respect.

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Wreaths Across America Story

Wreaths Across America was first inspired when 12-year-old paperboy Morrill Worcester won a trip to the nation’s capital, a trip he would never forget. He later recognized that his success as a businessman was, in large part, due to the values of this nation and the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. In 1992, when Morrill Worcester found himself with an excess of 5,000 wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season, he saw an opportunity to make a boyhood dream a reality. With the help of Senator Olympia Snowe (ret) and the Maine State Society of DC, the wreaths were placed at Arlington National Cemetery. After this, he and his family vowed to bring wreaths to honor veterans every December from that point on.

In 2005, a photograph of the wreaths on headstones after a snowfall went viral, and Mr. Worcester found himself with thousands of e-mails, letters, and donations to bring the wreaths to other communities. In 2007, the Worcester family, along with veterans and other groups and individuals who had helped with their annual veterans wreath ceremony in Arlington, formed Wreaths Across America, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, to continue and expand this effort and support other groups around the country who wanted to do the same.

The yearlong mission of the organization is simple: REMEMBER the fallen. HONOR those who serve. TEACH the next generation the value of freedom.

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Wreaths Across America Day

Wreaths Across America Day will be observed on December 14, 2024. On this day, the community is invited to volunteer and help place wreaths on the gravesites of our veterans at Linwood Cemetery. This act of remembrance is a powerful way to honor the sacrifices made by our military personnel and to ensure that their legacy is never forgotten.