Wreaths Across America Bushnell 2022 (2024)

FAQs

What is the Wreaths Across America scandal? ›

Conflicts of interest

Conflict of interest charges have been made against Wreaths Across America because this charity has an exclusive for-profit supplier, Worcester Wreath Company, also run by the Morrill family in the same town.

2024 Theme: Live With Purpose.

Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Religious liberty advocates are protesting the annual Wreaths Across America event, decrying the "the hijacked-from-paganism symbol of Christianity" being placed on military veterans' graves, including those of Jews and other non-Christians.

The inspiration for this year's theme came while discussing the significance of 2022's theme, which was “Find a Way to Serve,” and the need to continue to stress the importance of service and the positive ways it can impact lives.

The organization has a conflict of interest policy. Additionally, Worcester-related Board Members recuse themselves from decisions related to the wreath-procurement contract.

In 2007, the Worcester family, along with the support of veterans organizations and a variety of other groups and individuals who had helped with their annual veterans wreath ceremony in Arlington, formed Wreaths Across America, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, to continue and expand this effort, and support others ...

Individuals and groups who participate in Wreaths Across America events each December receive all of their wreaths through the charity. Donors pay $17 for each one, with $5 going back to civic and youth groups helping with sales.

Does WAA have a religious or political affiliation? Wreaths Across America is not affiliated with any religion or political party.

This charity's score is 75%, earning it a Three-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence.

Are all wreaths pagan? ›

Wreaths originally were made for use with pagan rituals in Europe, and were associated with the changing seasons and fertility. Christianity appropriated the symbolism of the wreath based upon its Roman association with honour and moral virtue.

Wreaths Across America believes the tradition represents a living memorial that honors veterans, active-duty military, and their families. When each wreath is placed the servicemember's name is said out loud, ensuring their memory lives on.

The type of materials used in wreaths held special meaning: for example, oak leaves meant wisdom, the laurel depicted love or celebrated athletic triumphs, and evergreens were a symbol of growth and eternal life.

That is why rings and things made into rings, such as wreaths, have always been a symbol of eternity. Also, wreaths are often fashioned from plants which do not die back in the winter. Such plants are also symbols of everlasting life.

The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ. Even the individual evergreens that make up the wreath have their own meanings that can be adapted to our faith.

In 2007, the Worcester family, along with the support of veterans organizations and a variety of other groups and individuals who had helped with their annual veterans wreath ceremony in Arlington, formed Wreaths Across America, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, to continue and expand this effort, and support others ...

It is considered best practice for charities to avoid both real and perceived conflicts of interest, and in this regard Wreaths Across America falls short. The vast majority of its cash spending in fiscal 2022 went to a company owned by the husbands of two of the charity's board members.