National nonprofit Wreaths Across America announces new theme for 2024: 'Live with Purpose'

Wreaths Across America (WAA), the national nonprofit whose year-long mission is to “Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach our children the value of freedom,” announces its theme for 2024: “Live with Purpose.”

A press release explained, “Each year, millions of volunteers and patriots gather in local, state and national cemeteries across all 50 states and abroad to pay tribute to our nation’s servicemembers and their families. This year’s theme, ‘Live with Purpose,’ draws inspiration from the remarkable stories of these volunteers whose impactful work in their communities is a beacon of inspiration for all.”

Wreaths Across America Executive Director Karen Worcester said, “Over the course of the last year – and then especially on the escort to Arlington last December – I listened to people who had gone through great adversity, and they'd taken that adversity and turned it around as a call to action to spend the rest of their lives making sure that every day was meaningful and that they lived with purpose. For me, to live with purpose is a mindset.”

As part of this year’s theme, WAA will be sharing a monthly video series and corresponding lesson plans starting in February that speak to the 10 bouquets that make up a veteran’s wreath – these are the 10 attributes or characteristics that WAA believes define this nation’s servicemembers – a symbol of honor, respect and victory. VeteransWreathColoringPage.2019.v1 (windows.net)

WAA noted that, “In 2023, over 3 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths were placed by volunteers on headstones at 4,225 participating locations worldwide.”

Follow the stories of the volunteers and supporters using the hashtag #LiveWithPurpose. Tune in to “Wreaths Across America Radio,” available on the iHeart Radio app, TuneIn and the Audacy app, or listen at www.wreathsacrossameric.org/radio.

This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held Saturday, Dec. 14. This is a free event open to all, and the organization encourages community members to participate by volunteering locally or sponsoring a wreath for an American hero.

For more information, visit www.wreathsacrossameric.org.