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Thousands of volunteers are expected to gather Saturday, Dec. 13, to place remembrance wreaths at the graves of more than 4,200 veterans in Alexandria National Cemetery.

The public ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. at the cemetery, located at 1450 Wilkes Street. VFW Post 609 will host the Alexandria event for the 17th year, joined by other veterans service organizations, church groups, Civil Air Patrol cadets, Scouts and local residents.

Volunteers will say each veteran’s name aloud while placing an evergreen wreath at the person’s grave, a symbolic gesture intended to keep their memory alive.

More than 1,000 people participated in Alexandria the previous year, helping cover all 4,229 veterans’ graves, according to VFW Post 609 Commander Col. Jerry Krueger.

“The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom,” Krueger said.

Boxes of wreaths are scheduled to arrive from Wreaths Across America and be unloaded at Alexandria National Cemetery on Dec. 12.

Alexandria’s annual observance began in December 2009. It is now one of more than 5,200 Wreaths Across America ceremonies held across all 50 states, at sea and abroad, involving more than two million volunteers.

The nationwide tradition dates to 1992, when Maine businessman Morrill Worcester donated surplus wreaths for placement at Arlington National Cemetery.

The 2025 theme, “Keep Moving Forward,” highlights resilience and unity during difficult times. Organizers said it is meant to encourage communities to overcome challenges together, reflecting the resolve demonstrated by military service members.

The wreaths destined for Arlington National Cemetery began their journey from Maine on Dec. 6. Known as the Arlington Convoy and billed as the longest veterans’ parade, the procession includes stops at schools and memorials along the East Coast before reaching Arlington.