“We are not here to ‘decorate graves.’ We are here to remember not their deaths, but their lives.” — Karen Worcester, Executive Director, WAA
From Wreaths Across American,
We all want our valued veterans to know how much their service to our country is appreciated! Now, more than ever, it’s important that we show our respect and gratitude for all our valued veterans, with actions, not just words. This is why AmeriCorps Seniors of Steuben County (ASSC) is proud to work in collaboration with Wreaths Across America (WAA) to honor our fallen heroes. We do this by placing a wreath on their graves each year, speaking each of their names as we do, in grateful acknowledgment of the sacrifices they made for our freedoms.
One way the ASSC Advisory Council is demonstrating support for this unique and moving event is by promoting wreath sponsorship. A small portion of the proceeds of each wreath sponsored through this Advisory Council will support the local AmeriCorps Seniors project, including the promotion of volunteerism in Steuben County. By sponsoring a wreath in this way, you not only help both programs, but you also help the Bath VA, which benefits from the volunteers which ASSC provides them.
Through WAA’s national group sponsorship program, it has helped many other nonprofits and civic groups raise funds for their own community needs. Since 2007, Wreaths Across America has given back more than $20 million to local groups.
In 2024, over three million sponsored veterans’ wreaths were placed by volunteers on headstones at 4,909 participating locations worldwide, including 2,748 wreaths in Bath National Cemetery (out of a possible 15,000+). Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira lays over 4,000 wreaths annually.
This year the goal is to place a wreath on every grave. With the generosity of local citizens, we are hoping to meet this goal and ensure no veteran is forgotten. Each hand made, fresh, live wreath costs $17 to sponsor and is made in the United States with Maine balsam.
Randy Metz, Lead Coordinator for the Wreaths Across America, Bath National Cemetery Committee, says: “We are committed to securing more sponsorships and actively engaging with our wonderful community members to spread the word about our heartfelt mission!”
National Wreaths Across America Day will be held this year on Saturday, December 13, 2025. This free event is open to all, and the organization encourages community members to participate by volunteering locally and/or sponsoring a wreath for an American hero.
For more information, or to sponsor one or more wreaths online, please visit www.wreathsacrossameric.org/NY0296P. If you prefer to use a check or money order, call 607-664-2298 to have a paper form sent to you.
Wreaths Across America’s yearlong mission is simple: Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve, and Teach the next generation about the value of freedom.
About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, which was begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s yearlong mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December in communities in all 50 states and beyond.
About Steuben County AmeriCorps Seniors/RSVP
AmeriCorps Seniors is a national service program that connects volunteers aged 55 and older with opportunities to serve their communities in meaningful ways. In Steuben County, two key programs are available: the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and the Senior Companion Program (SCP). RSVP volunteers support a variety of local initiatives, from assisting at food pantries to leading health and wellness workshops, while SCP volunteers provide companionship and scheduled support to older adults, helping them maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.
