Wreaths Across America 2026

About this event

The National Wreaths Across America event, which began in 1992 by Morrill Worcester, will once again continue to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom by placing twenty-inch live balsam wreaths on the graves of veterans.

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of this ceremony at the Alton National Cemetery. Thanks to local volunteers, this group will once again participate in the national Wreaths Across America event on Saturday, December 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Alton National Cemetery, 600 Pearl Street, Alton, Illinois.

In 2025, through generous community donations, 560 wreaths were placed on every grave at our local national cemetery. Every dollar donated helps ensure that each veteran is remembered. You can help this tradition by donating to Wreaths Across America, P.O. Box 3081, Alton, IL 62002. The cost of each wreath is $17.00.

Once again, the local Wreaths Across America effort will offer a limited number of wreaths for families or friends to honor their veteran loved ones who are buried at other local cemeteries. These wreath reservations will begin on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and conclude on Wednesday, December 2, 2026. All of these reservations must be made by calling Sue Fitzgerald at (618) 530-1430.

The local Wreaths Across America group hopes to make the twentieth anniversary event bigger and better through your support, donations, and attendance. For more information, please call or email Margaret Hopkins at (618) 570- 8804 or hopkins1014@sbcglobal.net. You can also find information on the Wreaths Across America-Alton Facebook page.