The American Legion and Wreaths Across America announced on May 11 the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding that formalizes a collaborative partnership focused on supporting veterans, servicemembers, and military families across the United States.
The agreement aims to honor service, strengthen communities, and expand opportunities for American Legion posts to participate in fundraising while advancing the mission of Wreaths Across America throughout the year.
American Legion posts are encouraged to join WAA’s Sponsorship Group Program. This program allows posts to raise funds for their own initiatives by helping sponsor wreaths for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day in December. Participating posts can earn funds for each wreath sponsorship generated, giving supporters an opportunity “to do good twice” by both honoring veterans and directly supporting local Legion programs.
National Commander Dan Wiley said, “American Legion posts support Wreaths Across America every December in this solemn tribute to our nation’s heroes. As veterans, we understand the importance of honor and remembrance for those who came before us, which is why Wreaths Across America Day is so important. With this new agreement, our respective organizations will be able to build upon that for the good of our communities, states and nation.”
WAA was founded in 2007 and is known for organizing wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 5,500 locations nationwide each December as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. The organization also offers educational resources for K–12 students, a Mobile Education Exhibit, partnerships with other groups, and operates Wreaths Across America Radio throughout the year.
Karen Worcester, executive director of WAA said: “The American Legion has long been a valued partner in helping honor our nation’s heroes on National Wreaths Across America Day. This formal partnership allows us to deepen that relationship, expand awareness of both organizations’ missions, and provide American Legion posts with another meaningful way to engage their communities while supporting veterans and military families year-round. As we approach our nation’s 250th anniversary, our theme ‘Remember Me’ reminds us that every service member has a name, a family and a story that deserves to be remembered.”
Both organizations will collaborate on educational outreach efforts as well as campaigns aimed at increasing mission awareness among volunteers and communities. They intend these efforts will extend their impact beyond annual events so they can inspire community support for veterans all year.