The National Wreaths Across America ceremonies will be held Saturday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. at participating locations including the Wilson-Chapel Cemetery in Lowry Crossing. File art

Communities across Collin County will once again join a national movement to honor the nation’s veterans as part of Wreaths Across America Day, set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Local volunteers, civic groups and cemetery coordinators will participate in the annual tradition, which takes place at more than 4,500 cemeteries nationwide.

Founded by Merrill and Karen Worcester, longtime wreath makers and the founders of the nonprofit Wreaths Across America, the program is rooted in three guiding principles — to remember, honor and teach. Each December, the effort brings together families, Scouts, veterans’ organizations and community members to place fresh evergreen wreaths on the graves of military veterans. The Worcesters have long said their mission is to “teach the next generation the value of freedom” and to ensure that the service and sacrifice of veterans is never forgotten.

At the Wilson Chapel Cemetery in Lowry Crossing, the observance begins inside the site’s historic 1894 chapel. 

“It starts promptly at 11 a.m. inside the Chapel, to coincide with all the ceremonies across America,” said Location Coordinator Linda Dillard. 

After the indoor program, volunteers will move to the cemetery grounds for the placement of wreaths on veterans’ graves.”

“This year, we honor 243 veterans who are laid to rest at Wilson Chapel Cemetery,” Dillard said.

Farmersville, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Pride Lodge 228 will again sponsor the local ceremony at the Farmersville IOOF Cemetery, 803 Windom St. Co-coordinators Tonya Fox and Billie Goldstein will lead this year’s program, which begins promptly at 11 a.m.

The Wylie Cemetery will also participate again this year, continuing a tradition supported by local civic groups and families. As of this week, 201 wreaths have been sponsored, with 129 still needed to ensure every veteran’s grave receives a wreath.

Several additional cemeteries in and around Collin County will also take part in the national observance, including Merit Cemetery in Celeste, Blue Ridge Cemetery, Stoney Point Cemetery in Anna, Melissa Cemetery, Chambersville Cemetery in McKinney, Pecan Grove Cemetery in McKinney, Allen Cemetery and Rowlett Creek Cemetery in Plano. All ceremonies begin at 11 a.m. Central Time, aligning with events across the country to create a unified moment of remembrance.

Organizers encourage families to attend, noting that participating in Wreaths Across America offers a meaningful way to share with younger generations the cost of freedom and the importance of honoring those who served.

Sponsor a wreath, volunteer, or learn more at wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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By Sonia Duggan | [email protected]