Wreaths Across America

National Wreaths Across America Day is Dec. 14, and all ceremonies begin at noon. Plans are underway to hold a ceremony and lay wreaths on veterans’ graves at the Denton Cemetery for the first time, through the efforts of Bay Scout Billy Quick of Denton, who chose organizing the event as his Eagle Scout service project.

Billy had previously participated in the Greensboro Cemetery ceremony with Troop 165 and patterned his plans after it. “This project is important to me as not only does it commemorate, but it serves to remind us all, especially the younger generations, of the legacy that each veteran has left behind,” Billy said. “With a strong military commitment in my extended family, I believe it is my duty – both as a scout and person – to help other people at all times to the best of my ability.”

Billy’s goal is to raise enough funds to place wreaths on the 150 veterans’ graves his mother Julie has identified at the Denton Ceremony. Denton Rotary has committed to being a sponsor, and he has reached out to the Denton Volunteer Fire Company for help. Colonel Richardson Middle School Band will provide music.

The Greensboro Cemetery ceremony started some 10 years ago with a small group of people who used to go to the Army/Navy game every year, said Sue Fleegle, founding organizer. They started purchasing wreaths and placing them before they went to the game. A few years later, Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Company got involved and helped it grow into the large celebration it is today.

In 2023, Bay Scout Hunter Durham, also with Troop 165, erected a flagpole at Greensboro Cemetery as part of his Eagle project. This year, Hunter has installed two benches and a plaque engraved with the emblems of each branch of service, said Annemarie Chouinard, one of the Greensboro organizers. She said the service is very meaningful to her as a veteran’s daughter.

Cub Scout Pack 264 of Ridgely leads the Pledge of Allegiance. North Caroline High School Band of Blue plays music. Flags are dedicated to each branch of service.

In Greensboro, their goal is 500 wreaths, which they’ve met in the past couple years, Chouinard said.