National nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) announced that Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Oak Ridge, TN has once again joined in the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach. The Memorial Park is the  official location for the 2022 Wreaths Across America ceremony in Anderson County. 

Wreaths Across America started as a simple gesture of thanks that has grown into a national movement of dedicated volunteers and communities coming together to not only remember the nation’s fallen and honor their service, but to teach the next generation about the sacrifices made for us to live freely. This year, there will be more than 3,100 participating locations placing veterans’ wreaths on National Wreaths Across America Day – Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022 – with more than two million volunteers coming together across the country.

Anyone interested in participating in Oak Ridge is asked to be at the cemetery by 11:30 am for a brief ceremony and then to assist in placing the wreaths on the graves of our local veterans. It is a great way to educate your children or grandchildren of the importance of honoring and respecting those who have fought to keep our country free.

The goal for Oak Ridge Memorial Park is to raise enough funds to place 1,225 sponsored veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of all the local heroes laid to rest there, to ensure that the individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country never be forgotten and to bring the community together in patriotic commemoration.

This year’s theme is “Find a Way to Serve”.  The inspiration for this year’s theme came from a few different places. Notably, the American Rosie Movement, which highlights the stories of the World War II-era women, affectionately known as Rosie the Riveters, or simply “Rosies.” These women pulled together to do the work that needed to be done for our freedom. Oak Ridge had it’s share of amazing women who tirelessly worked on the Manhattan Project during WWII to help end the war.  The movement also encourages youth to get involved in their own communities to serve in small ways that can make a big impact.

“We are forever grateful for the thousands of supporters who dedicate their time and effort to fulfill our mission all year long,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, 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 without their continued support, Wreaths Across America would not exist.”

Those interested in volunteering for Wreaths Across America or sponsoring a wreath for Oak Ridge Memorial Park, located at 1501 Bethel Valley Road, are invited to visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/TNORMP to learn more. National Wreaths Across America Day is a free community event open to all people and all ages.