December 16, 2023 - 11:00am

Join us on National Wreaths Across America Day, December 16, 2023, at

the Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge National Historical Park. 

 

    

Society of the Descendants of
Washington’s Army at Valley Forge
Wreaths Across America Committee
Message from the Chair

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Greetings DVF Members,

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We continue to honor our Valley Forge patriots in 2023. In 2019, the Pennsylvania Brigade brought the Wreaths Across America project back to Valley Forge National Historical Park after many years of absence. We had a goal of placing 100 wreaths around the park’s National Memorial Arch. That goal was far surpassed, and we have since expanded to include all DVF members and have several hundred wreaths reserved for this December.

 

This year, we are participating in the Wreaths Across America as a national organization by both purchasing and laying wreaths at our new home at the Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge on December 16, 2023 at 11 am. Our goal is to lay 500 wreaths and grow our count for the next year! We are partnering with the Valley Forge Park Alliance, Lockheed Martin, and several other local organizations as our sponsorship groups to ensure another successful year. Last year’s event was wild and windy, and we welcomed several hundred guests including DVF and VFPA members, the National Park Service, Delta Sigma Theta, Patriotic Order Sons of America, Boy and Girl Scout troops, college alumni associations, Lockheed Martin employees, Valley Forge DAR members, and volunteers of all ages. We want to continue the momentum and excitement for the history of Valley Forge while having the space and support we need to grow this event at Washington Memorial Chapel.

 

For those unfamiliar, here is a brief history from Wreaths Across America from their website: In December 1992, wreath maker Morrill Worcester found himself with a surplus of 5,000 wreaths during the holiday season. Worcester saw the surplus as an opportunity to pay tribute to our country’s veterans and, with the help of Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arranged for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery.

 

In 2007, the Worcester family along with veterans and volunteers formed the non-profit organization Wreaths Across America. Wreaths Across America’s mission is simple: Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve, and Teach the next generation about the value of freedom. In 2018, Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers placed nearly 2 million veterans’ wreaths at more than 1,600 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.

 

We greatly appreciate your participation and support as we work to grow this admirable project in Valley Forge. If you would like to donate, our location code is PAVFE the link is here: donate online

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Stay tuned for more information!

 

Courtney Cunningham

DVF Wreaths Across America Committee Chair