Wreaths Across America Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery Chapter has a heartfelt mission to honor our fallen heroes and ensure that every veteran gravesite is adorned with a wreath during the holiday season.
Ann Provencher and Barbara Younker, alongside eight dedicated volunteers, are committed to ensuring that no veteran is forgotten.
Provencher emphasizes the year-round effort involved in this noble cause, “We work tirelessly throughout the year to raise awareness of our mission and solicit funding to be able to place a wreath on every veteran gravesite at the Sandhills location and are proud to say that we have been fortunate to have every veteran covered each year (since she has been location coordinator) with the continued support of our local communities.”
Provencher, a military veteran, has been with WAA since 2011. She spent most of her life dedicating her time to helping others.
By donating $34, sponsors help place three beautiful wreaths at gravesites to honor those who served our country. Wreath sponsors also have the option to pay tribute to a loved one or request a specific gravesite for a wreath placement; special requests are warmly welcomed. As part of this meaningful ceremony, all graves will be marked with an American flag the day before—an emblem of respect and remembrance.
Wreaths Across America is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of gratitude and remembrance that unites us as a nation. The story begins with Morrill Worcester, the owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine. At 12 years old, he won a trip to Washington D.C., an experience that profoundly shaped his life and the lives of countless others. The sight of the vast rows of graves at Arlington National Cemetery, particularly the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, left an indelible mark on young Morrill's heart—a reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans for our freedoms.
In 1992, when Worcester Wreath had an excess supply of wreaths at season's end, Morrill recalled his childhood visit to Arlington. He recognized a unique opportunity to honor those who served our country by placing these wreaths on their graves. With support from Maine Senator Olympia Snowe (ret), plans were put in motion for this heartfelt tribute.
As word spread about this initiative, community members remarkably rallied together. James Prout from Blue Bird Ranch, Inc., stepped up to provide transportation for the wreaths to Virginia—an act that demonstrated local solidarity and commitment. Volunteers from American Legion and VFW Posts joined forces with residents to adorn each wreath with traditional red bows, a symbol not only of holiday cheer but also of deep respect.
The culmination of these efforts was a solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery where volunteers laid wreaths upon graves with reverence and dignity. This initiative has since blossomed into a national movement—Wreaths Across America—encouraging everyone to remember, honor, and teach about our veterans during the holiday season.
Since then, millions have participated in this beautiful act of remembrance. It serves as a poignant reminder that while we may have different backgrounds or beliefs, we share a common duty: honoring those who made extraordinary sacrifices for our freedom.
WAA will be holding their wreath laying ceremony on Dec. 14 at noon at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake. Additional wreaths will be placed at the Fort Liberty Main Post Cemetery. Those who help lay the wreaths say the Veteran’s name out loud before placing the wreath on the headstone, an act of remembrance. Help WAA reach its goal of placing 10,000 wreaths this year by sponsoring a wreath through the website at https://bit.ly/3CplFgM.
WAA is always looking for volunteers. For more information on how you can help, call Ann Provencher at 910-670-9280.

(Photo: WAA lays wreaths on veterans' graves for the holiday season. Photo courtesy of Wreaths Across America Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery Chapter Facebook page)