Once again, the Fort Henry Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution is participating in the Wreaths Across America campaign, and local sponsors are being sought to purchase wreaths that will be placed in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Washington County, Pa.

Wreaths Across America’s mission remembers the fallen, honors those who serve and teaches children the value of freedom. Its goal is to generate sponsors for wreaths that will be placed on veteran’s graves.

Last year at 4,200 locations in this country and 25 located on foreign soil, an estimated 2.5 million volunteers placed 3 million wreaths on veterans graves. Nearly a third of the volunteers were children.

The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies was established in 2008 on approximately 300 acres near the Washington and Allegheny county line. It was created to serve the tri-state area after a study found that there were in excess of 300,000 veterans in this area. As of September 2025, nearly 29,000 people have been buried there since its opening.

All wreaths received by the local chapter will be used at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. This cemetery serves the entire tri-state area as a final resting place for veterans, spouses and in some cases dependent children. At noon Dec. 13, family, friends, veterans, youth and organizations will gather for a brief ceremony followed by the placing of the wreaths.

Last year, over 16,200 wreaths were placed at this cemetery. And for the fourth consecutive year — with graves that were already decorated by families — every grave was marked.

The George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution started its partnership with the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in 2008 when it raised the funds to buy and donate an electric four-person cart to transport families around the cemetery. The chapter also dedicated a “boulder” along the memorial walkway located in the cemetery.

Wreaths cost $17 each and are tax-deductible. The chapter also encourages volunteers to come to the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies on Dec. 13 to help place wreaths.

Anyone wishing to sponsor a wreath can make their check payable to “Wreaths Across America” and send it to Gary W. Timmons, local Wreaths Across America chairman, at 13 Elm Lane, Wheeling, WV 26003-4905. He can also be contacted at 304-242-8759.

The deadline for sponsorship is Nov. 27.