Wreaths Across America at Mount Olivet

Opening Ceremony begins at 12 noon with a color guard and speakers at the World War II Monument in Area EE. Instructions will be given and followed by placement of wreaths on veteran graves by volunteer participants on hand. Please contact us in advance if you have a group of 15 or more participating as we will give you an assigned area. This event is open to all ages. 

The Cemetery map which includes site of Opening Ceremony at the World War II Monument on Area EE (directly across from Area DD and drawn as a semicircle on map). The side gate, allowing access from parking at Grove Stadium, is just below the intersection of Areas U and S.  MOC Cemetery Map

NOTE: This is an outdoor event and we ask that those who participate in this event practice common sense social distancing and are respectful in wearing masks if in close quarters with others. (NOTE: If you have major concerns, we recommend you rethink your in-person involvement and perhaps make or purchase a wreath on your own for placement as all of our veterans will likely not get a sponsored wreath.)

Update as of Dec 14, 2020

Last year we had snow the week after Wreaths Across America Day, and this year we have a real chance of having it before... so you may want to bring a broom or brush to expose ground-level markers and plaques! Regardless, we plan to place the 1,692 sponsored wreaths that were delivered to us late last week from Maine. Keep in mind that we have over 4,000 vets buried here in Mount Olivet, so not every vet will be a wreath recipient as we will likely be selecting specific areas to cover fully.

That being said, we invite those interested in participating (especially those who haven't bought-sponsored wreaths already through WAA) to purchase or make their own wreaths to place on military loved ones and friends if so desired. These additional wreaths would also be appreciated on the graves of other veterans who may be perfect strangers. Placement can be done on Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, Dec 19th, starting at noon, or any day thereafter....just look for military graves throughout Mount Olivet designated with flaglets. (We will share a list of those uncovered sections here on FB later in the week.)

Update as of Dec 18, 2020

We received about 8 inches of snow on Wednesday the 16th, with a bit of freezing rain on top of that. Roadways are fine but parking inside the cemetery may be more challenging than normal. We urge folks to park across the street at Grove Stadium and walk across to our side gate on Stadium Drive. This gate is only a hundred yards from Area EE, site of the kickoff ceremony with instructions beginning at 12 noon. This is also at the center of our main activity. Dress appropriately, with special attention to proper footwear. We caution all volunteers and participants to use extreme caution in traversing the cemetery grounds!!! If you are not capable of doing this, please stay home as we truly appreciate your support just the same:)

Our expectation in decorating graves with these wreaths is that volunteers actually attempt to uncover the military issue markers as best as possible in order to give proper tribute to each soldier on this special day. Consider bringing a brush, broom or small snow shovel. It is not a race to see who can place wreaths the fastest, take your time and do it right. We will have enough people to get this task completed regardless.

The sections that will receive wreaths this year are as follows: A, B, D, AA. BB, CC, DD, EE, FF, JJ, KK, MM. The General Public will be assigned DD, EE and FF and our WAA partner groups have been assigned to cover the various other areas listed. If you want to cover veteran graves in other areas, please bring/make additional wreaths as they will be greatly appreciated!!!

Reminder, we ask participants to practice common sense social distancing throughout this outside activity. During the opening ceremony at noon, we want volunteers in audience to spread out across Area DD in front of the World War II Monument.

Area Assignments:

General Public                                          DD, EE, FF

Homewood Auxilary                                       CC

Friends of Mount Olivet                                  A, B, D

Daughters of American Revolution Chapters   MM

American Legion (FSK Post)                            KK

Upper Montgomery Civil Air Patrol                   JJ

American Heritage Girls Troop MD 316            AA

Cub Scout Pack #287                                     BB