Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids to Lay 3,600+ Wreaths in Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Wreaths Across America Day

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids (MVHGR) will lay 3,600+ wreaths in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery to honor American heroes on National Wreaths Across America Day. The wreath-laying ceremony will begin at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2950 Monroe Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. The event is open to volunteers and visitors can access the cemetery through the main entrance on Lamberton Street NE.

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, more than two million volunteers participate in wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 4,218 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. While it’s too late to sponsor a wreath to be delivered in time for this year’s ceremony, you can visit the MVHGR Veterans Memorial Cemetery page to sponsor a wreath for delivery in 2024, https://bit.ly/MVHGRSponsorWreaths.

“We are forever grateful for the thousands of supporters who dedicate their time, energy and resources to fulfilling our mission all year long,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “These individuals and their communities know the value of remembering the fallen, honoring those who currently serve and teaching the next generation about the sacrifices made for our freedom every day, and because of their continued support, Wreaths Across America continues to grow and touch new people each year.” 

Media are invited to attend to capture the wreath-laying ceremony and brief remarks by Tiffany Carr, community engagement coordinator for MVH. The West Michigan Chapter of the Michigan State Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will present the colors. Eight ceremonial wreaths will be placed at the entrance to the ceremony in memory of those who served and are serving in the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Merchant Marines and the 93,129 U.S. service members that remain listed as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. Volunteers will begin the process of laying wreaths at the conclusion of the ceremony at approximately 12:30 p.m. Media should plan to be in place no later than 11:45 a.m. and RSVP to Michael Kroll at 517-285-9734 or krollm2@michigan.gov.