EVENT DETAILS

Morning Preparation Activities 

• Witness the arrival of semi-trucks loaded with thousands of remembrance wreaths, escorted by our motorcycle honor guard.
• Help unload boxes and unpack wreaths (spruce up bows and wreaths after their journey from Maine).
• Arrange wreaths by section in preparation for placement later in the day.

Educational & Memorial Opportunities

• Visit the Teach Tent at the Welcome Center to learn more about Wreaths Across America, military service, and the National Cemetery. There are many displays/posters to prompt conversation and activities to engage both kids and adults.
• Take the Memorial Walk starting near the Welcome Center to view inspiring monuments honoring our servicemembers.

Family-Only Wreath Placement 

Begins at 11:15 AM (Assembly area opens with patriotic music)

• 11:50 AM – Welcome and opening remarks.
• 12:00 PM – National Moment of Silence (coordinated nationwide).
• Features include:
  • Special Color Guards representing Remember, Honor, and Teach.
  • Singing of the National Anthem and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
  • Flyover by the Dreamland Squadron.
  • Guest speaker sharing a message on military service and the importance of our collective efforts.
  • Ceremonial wreath-laying by representatives of each branch of service, Gold Star families, and POW/MIA families.
• Taps played at the conclusion.

Following the ceremony, all attendees are invited to proceed to sections of the cemetery for general wreath placement beginning at 1pm.

Everyone is welcome to place a remembrance wreath at a veteran’s gravesite.

• Take one wreath at a time.
• Proceed to a gravesite.
• Pause to thank the veteran and reflect on their sacrifices for our freedom.
• Place the wreath carefully, with the red bow at the top.
• Say the veteran’s name aloud.

This act is inspired by a powerful belief:
“They say everyone dies twice: once when they take their last breath, and again when their name is spoken aloud for the last time.”
By speaking each name, we help ensure our heroes are never forgotten.

• General Parking — Remote lot at Anheuser-Busch facility: 16163 Lem Turner Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
  Free continuous shuttle service provided by JTA and Durham School Services throughout the day.
• Handicap/Accessible Parking — Limited spaces available onsite at the cemetery (requires visible handicap placard). Team members will direct you to a safe parking location and assist with transportation to gravesites as needed.