by Kim Gasuras, Freelance | FreeWire Magazine — Your News, Your Voice
BUCYRUS — Remember, honor, and teach are the ways that people across the country can take part in National Wreaths Across America Day this year on Saturday, Dec. 13. More than two million volunteers and supporters are expected to participate at over 5,200 locations across all 50 states, at sea, and abroad, including in Bucyrus.
According to one of the local event’s organizers, Stephanie Mahle, the ceremony will be held at Oakwood Cemetery beginning at noon.
“There will be a short ceremony followed by the laying of wreaths. The wreath laying itself has a bit of a ritual. Place the wreath, step back, and pause. Deceased Jewish veterans’ wreaths will be placed following Jewish protocol,” said Mahle.
Due to limited parking at the cemetery, Mahle said the North Central Area Transit and Executive Director Mary Habig will generously provide a shuttle service.
“Three shuttles will run continuously between the shopping center across from McDonald’s on Marion Road and the cemetery before and after the ceremony,” said Mahle.
This is the second year for Wreaths Across America in Bucyrus, organized by Tami Tima-Burk.
“In 2024, more than 700 wreaths were sponsored or purchased. This year’s goal is 3,000 wreaths, a fundraising target of more than $39,000,” Mahle said.
Donations can be made at collection boxes at several Bucyrus organizations, including American Legion Post 181, Amvets Post 27, VFW Post 1078, and Moose Lodge 669, or can be directly deposited into the WAA (Wreaths Across America) account at First Federal Community Bank. Contributions can also be made online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/OH0446.
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with more than 4,900 participating cemeteries nationwide and abroad. Each balsam wreath is made in Maine by veterans and shipped across the country. Volunteers and family members place the wreaths, which are removed two weeks after the ceremony.
The local committee will have a table at the Port of Bucyrus Fly-In on Sept. 20. Updates and donation progress can be found on the Wreaths Across America Bucyrus, OH Facebook page. Committee meetings are held at 5 p.m. on the third Monday of each month through November at American Legion Post 181.
Local organizers are seeking volunteers to help with wreath placement, recycling, and other tasks on Dec. 13. For questions, contact Tami Tima-Burk at 419-689-9350 or Stephanie Mahle at 419-562-1860.
More Info about Wreaths Across America:
- Wreaths Across America’s annual pilgrimage from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery is considered the world’s largest veterans’ parade, stopping at schools, veterans’ homes, and communities along the way.
- The Remembrance Tree Program in Maine offers families the chance to create a living memorial by attaching a dog tag to an evergreen tree harvested for wreaths every three years.
- WAA also hosts State House ceremonies in nearly all 50 states each December.
- Since 2007, the group sponsorship program has returned more than $28 million to civic organizations such as Scouts, 4-H clubs, and veterans’ posts.
- Initiatives like the “Thanks-A-Million” campaign distribute free thank-you cards nationwide, while quarterly roundtables on WAA Radio focus on veteran healing.
- Educational outreach includes lesson plans, interactive projects, and the Mobile Education Exhibit, a traveling classroom that shares veterans’ stories with communities nationwide.
- At its headquarters in Maine, the WAA Museum and the Gold Star Family History and Hospitality House preserve and share the history of military service and sacrifice.
