Wreaths Across America 2026 at Evergreen Memorial Gardens
On December 19, the Lewis and Clark Young Marines and Evergreen Memorial Gardens will lay a wreath on veterans' graves for Wreaths Across America. They're a long way from their goal, and $17 from you closes the gap one grave at a time.
Every December, on the same day and at the same moment, volunteers across the country walk into cemeteries carrying evergreen wreaths. They set one at a veteran's headstone, say that veteran's name out loud, and move on to the next. It's called Wreaths Across America, and one of those ceremonies happens just down the road from us at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver.
The ceremony is hosted by the Lewis and Clark Young Marines, a youth program out of Vancouver, alongside Evergreen Memorial Gardens. There are about 2,000 veterans buried at Evergreen. Their goal is a wreath for every single one. As of this week, they have 409.
That's where we come in.
The Details
What Wreaths Across America actually is
Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit with a three-word mission: remember, honor, teach. Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation what that service cost. National Wreaths Across America Day falls on Saturday, December 19 this year, with ceremonies at thousands of cemeteries nationwide.
The wreaths are real balsam, delivered straight to the cemetery. You don't pick one up, drop one off, or wrap anything. You sponsor, and it shows up where it's needed.
The "teach" part is why the Young Marines matter here. These are local kids in uniform, learning what it means to stand at a stranger's grave and say his name. If you've ever wondered how you pass that on, this is how.
The math, and why it's doable
Here's the gap: roughly 1,600 wreaths to go. That sounds like a lot until you do it Ridgefield-style.
Local businesses, this one's for you too. Sponsor a dozen in your shop's name, tell your customers, and challenge the business next door. We will happily report on who's winning.
How to sponsor a wreath
It takes about two minutes:
- Go to the Lewis & Clark Young Marines sponsorship page.
- Click Sponsor Wreaths.
- Choose 1, 5, or 12 wreaths, or pick Custom for any number you like.
- Check out. That's it. Your wreath goes to Evergreen.
Sponsoring through that specific page is what makes sure your wreath lands at Evergreen and counts toward this location's goal, so use the link rather than the general national site.
Want to honor someone specific? The page has a Remember Wall where supporters leave messages for the veterans in their lives. There are already more than 70 on it, and they're worth a read.
Show up on December 19
Sponsoring is the big need, but you can also be there. Anyone of any age can help lay wreaths after the ceremony. Register through the Volunteer button on the sponsorship page so you get updates from the cemetery before the day.
A few things to know if you go:
- Be on time. Ceremonies all over the country start at the same moment.
- Follow the location coordinators on where and how to place wreaths.
- When you set a wreath down, say the veteran's name. That's the whole point.
- Stick around to help clean up if you can. They notice.
Bring the kids. Bring a thermos. It's December in the Pacific Northwest, so bring a raincoat and make peace with it.
Questions people ask
Do I need to know someone buried at Evergreen?
No. Every wreath goes to a veteran's grave, whether or not anyone they know is still around to visit. That's kind of the point.
How much does it cost?
$17 per wreath. You can sponsor one, five, twelve, or any custom amount.
When is the deadline to sponsor?
Check with the local chapter. Wreaths have to be ordered ahead of time so they can be delivered for December 19, so don't wait until the week before.
Can my kids come to the ceremony?
Yes. Everyone of all ages is welcome, and helping lay wreaths is a good way for kids to learn what Veterans Day and Memorial Day are actually about.
Who's organizing this?
The Lewis and Clark Young Marines host the ceremony with Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Lindsay Fisher, president of Evergreen Memorial Gardens, is one of the location coordinators.
More from Meanwhile in Ridgefield
Ridgefield shows up. We've seen it at every park opening, fundraiser, and Raptors game. So let's show up for this one too. Sponsor a wreath, share this with your neighbors, and if you sponsor through your business, tell us so we can give you a shout-out in the newsletter.
