LOUISVILLE, Ky. — There are only 36 days until Christmas. Wreaths Across America is looking to honor veterans this holiday season by putting a wreath on every grave across the country. But the campaign at one Louisville national cemetery still needs help.
Nearly 4,500 wreaths have been purchased to place on graves at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery. However, 7,000 more are needed to cover every stone.
"While we are extremely grateful that so many people have already supported this cause, it is always painful to see graves that will not receive a wreath,” location coordinator for the Gov. Isaac Shelby Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution Scott Giltner said. “The wreaths are not to ‘decorate’ the graves of our veterans. We place them to remember not their deaths, but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America.”
The goal is 11,000+ wreaths. Currently, the campaign has met 40% of this goal.
“All of the wreaths placed on the graves at Zachary Taylor come from donations,” Co-location coordinator for the Corn Island Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Susan Kalmey said. “There is no government support. We rely on private and corporate donations to make this happen. And especially now, we need everyone’s involvement this year to make it a reality.”
A wreath can be sponsored for $17, either online at LouKYWreaths.org or by visiting or calling either Brownsboro Hardware & Paint location.
The live Maine Balsam Wreaths will be placed during an official ceremony at Zachary Taylor on Saturday, December 14 at noon. The public is invited to attend and participate.
Wreaths Across America has placed more than three million wreaths at more than 4,200 locations in 2023.