Wreaths Across America announces 2025 theme

Wreaths Across America, the national nonprofit whose year-round mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach the value of freedom, has announced its theme for 2025: Keep Moving Forward.

Each December, millions of volunteers gather in cemeteries across all 50 states and abroad — including recent events at St. Casimir, Rehoboth, Holmes and Adena Presbyterian cemeteries — to honor service members and their families. The new theme was inspired by the last words of Capt. Joshua Byers, United States Army, who was killed in action in Fallujah, Iraq, July 23, 2003.

In 2024, Wreaths Across America highlighted the 10 bouquets that make up a veteran’s wreath, attributes the organization says represent honor, respect and victory. That concept was introduced in a poem written by founder Morrill Worcester for Mary and Lloyd Byers, Gold Star parents of  Byers. The 2025 theme is intended to reflect the same spirit and serve as a call to action for volunteers and supporters.

Byers was the company commander of Fox Troop in the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment when an improvised explosive device struck his Humvee. As smoke filled the air, he gave his driver a final command: “Keep moving forward.” The order saved lives and later became a rallying cry for his unit and his family.

“There will always be challenges to overcome as individuals, communities and a country, but we must keep moving forward together,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. She said the organization plans to share not only the Byers family’s story of resilience but also stories of others who “continue to live with purpose every day.”

In Adena, residents say they are also committed to keeping momentum. Community efforts to enhance and beautify the town include improvements to aging structures and streets, banners honoring local veterans displayed throughout town and events hosted by local organizations. Wreath sponsorships can be made at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/OHSCCA.

In 2024, more than three million sponsored veterans’ wreaths were placed by volunteers at 4,909 participating locations worldwide. Volunteers work throughout the year to remember, honor and teach, speaking each veteran’s name aloud in recognition of their service and sacrifice.

Supporters can follow stories of volunteers and families living with purpose using the hashtag KeepMovingForward. Wreaths Across America Radio is available on the iHeart Radio app, TuneIn, the Audacy app and at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio. Mary and Lloyd Byers will join Karen Worcester on her weekly program “Mission Matters” Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. The episode will also be available on the Wreaths Radio SoundCloud page.

National Wreaths Across America Day will take place Saturday, Dec. 13. In Adena, the ceremony will be held at St. Casimir Cemetery at noon. The event is free and open to the public. The organization encourages community members to volunteer locally or sponsor a wreath for a service member.

More information is available at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/OH0273.