WHEELING – Once again, the Fort Henry Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution is participating in the Wreaths Across America campaign, and local sponsors are being sought to purchase wreaths that will be placed in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Washington County, Pennsylvania.

The origin of Wreaths Across America dates back over 28 years, when Merrill Worcester, the owner of a nursery located in Harrington, Maine, had an overabundance of Christmas wreaths and nothing to do with them. Remembering a trip he had taken as a paperboy to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC he got the idea to donate his excess wreaths to the cemetery as a gesture of remembrance and honor for those men and women who served their country. From the pictures of the wreaths lying against the tombstones at that cemetery Wreaths Across America has grown to what it is today.

Wreaths Across America’s mission remembers the fallen, honors those who serve and teaches children the value of freedom. Its goal is to generate sponsors for wreaths that will be placed on veteran’s graves.

All wreaths received by the local chapter will be used at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. This cemetery serves the entire tri state area as a final resting place for veterans, spouses and in some cases dependent children. At noon on Saturday, Dec. 13, , family, friends, veterans, youth and organizations will gather for a brief ceremony followed by the placing of the wreaths.

The George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution started its partnership with the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in 2008 when it raised the funds to buy and donate an electric four-person cart to transport families around the cemetery.

Wreaths cost $17.00 each and are tax deductible. The Chapter also encourages volunteers to come to the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies on Saturday December 13, 2025 at noon to help place however many wreaths the cemetery receives.

Anyone wishing to sponsor a wreath(s) can make their check payable to “Wreaths Across America” and send it to Gary W. Timmons, local Wreaths Across America chairman, at 13 Elm Lane, Wheeling, WV 26003-4905. He can also be contacted at (304) 242-8759. Deadline for sponsorship is November 27, 2025.