Wreaths Across America Ceremony at the Santa Fe National Cemetery (2024)
Wreaths Across America (WAA) is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1992 by Morrill Worcester, initially to honor veterans by placing wreaths on graves at Arlington National Cemetery. Its mission, encapsulated in the motto “Remember, Honor, Teach,” involves coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies each December at over 4,900 cemeteries across the U.S. and abroad, including Santa Fe National Cemetery. The initiative aims to remember fallen veterans, honor those who serve, and teach younger generations about the value of freedom. Volunteers place wreaths on veterans’ graves, often saying their names aloud to preserve their legacy.
The Santa Fe Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization emphasizing charity and patriotism, actively participates in WAA events at Santa Fe National Cemetery. On December 11, 2024, members from councils like San Isidro Council 16601, Santa Maria Council 10517, Santa Fe Assembly 685, and San Ignacio Assembly 3732 escorted a convoy of 4,500 wreaths to the cemetery. On December 14, 2024, they joined 400–500 volunteers, including the VFW, Santa Fe ROTC, American Legion, and Gold Star Mothers, for a ceremony featuring a 21-gun salute, “Taps,” and “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes. Volunteers placed wreaths on graves with prayers of remembrance. The Knights also support related veteran initiatives, such as the Santa Fe Heroes Hamburger Dinner and banner displays.
The 2025 WAA event at Santa Fe National Cemetery is scheduled for December 13 at 10 AM MST, with a wreath cleanup planned for January (date TBD). The cemetery, located at 501 N. Guadalupe Street, Santa Fe, NM, has over 70,000 graves, and WAA encourages sponsorships and volunteering to honor every veteran. Notably, grave-specific wreath requests are not accepted at this location starting January 1, 2025.
For more details or to sponsor wreaths, visit the WAA Santa Fe National Cemetery page or contact coordinators like Thomas Villapondo [email protected]
