Wreath-Laying Parade To Honor Veterans Will Stop In Holmdel

HOLMDEL, NJ - Wreaths Across America, a decades-old nonprofit honoring America’s veterans, is planning a holiday tour with a stop in Holmdel this season.

The caravan is scheduled to hit Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Holmdel on Dec. 17 as part of a weeklong trip from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery. Fanfare is slated to begin at 9:45 a.m. at the Vietnam Veterans’ Museum at 1 Memorial Ln.

The nonprofit welcomes Holmdel residents to attend the socially-distanced parade and wave flags, signs and cheer on the procession. According to a news release, attendees can expect a miles-long parade of tractor trailers, vehicles carrying veterans and Gold Star Families, law enforcement and motorcycle riders.

“For those who have had the opportunity to participate in the escort of wreaths over the years, it is truly an experience of a lifetime,” said Karen Worcester, the executive director of Wreaths Across America. “The way we have been welcomed into communities, over the years, with flags waving and streets lined with children and veterans, is something we always wished every American could witness.”

Due to the ongoing pandemic, Holmdel residents can also follow the parade virtually on Wreaths Across America’s Facebook page.

You can also text WREATH to 20222 to sponsor a wreath for Arlington National Cemetery right from your mobile phone.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded in 1992 to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The foundation was started by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester, whose goal was to coordinate wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

As of 2020, the organization coordinates wreath­-laying ceremonies at more than 2,100 locations across the nation and beyond.

For more information or to sponsor a wreath, click here.