Events

Wreaths Across Canada Set to Host Annual Event

Mishall Rehman November 23, 2024

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In the true spirit of the holiday season, Wreaths Across Canada is once again calling upon volunteers to undertake the noble task of honouring our nation’s heroes who have passed on.

Over the last 13 years, in December, Wreaths Across Canada has hosted its annual ceremony, during which volunteers lay wreaths on military personnel’s gravestones. This year is no exception.

“This year, courtesy of Rose Enterprise and our wonderful donors, over 5,000 beautiful 12-inch balsam wreaths will arrive in Ottawa at the end of November,” said Cyndi Mills, president, Wreaths Across Canada.

Left, Wreaths Across Canada founder Warrant Officer (ret’d) Craig McPhee. Right, Wreaths rest on headstones in Section 59 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Dec. 19, 2017. On December 16, the cemetery hosted the Wreaths Across America event brought over 75,000 volunteers to Arlington National Cemetery to place wreaths at gravesites. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser/Arlington National Cemetery/released).

Founded by Retired Warrant Officer

Wreaths Across Canada was founded by a retired Royal Canadian Air Force Warrant Officer who witnessed a similar ceremony in Arlington, VA, in 2007. WO (ret’d) Craig McPhee made it his mission to do the same for Canadian service members, and by 2011, Wreaths Across Canada hosted its first ceremony.

Unfortunately, McPhee passed away in 2022. However, thanks to the vision of McPhee, ceremonies continue to take place.

“Last year, we had the opportunity to expand our wreath-laying to include Notre Dame Cemetery. We can continue this year because of the generous donations from our donors: Sunbelt Rentals, RSM, Veterans Affairs Canada, and individual donors, for which we are truly grateful,” said Mills.

Last year, 5000-12-inch balsam wreaths were laid in Ottawa.

A Time-Honoured Tradition

Over the years, the event has become a time-honoured tradition for members of the military community and civilians alike. It allows Canadians to honour those who served, their families and their legacy.

“What is unique about Wreaths Across Canada is when a wreath is placed on a military member’s headstone, their spouse is often buried with them. Hence, we are laying a wreath on the couple’s headstone,” said Mills, adding, “Wreaths Across Canada not only honour military members but also the family and their service to our country.”

She added that the organization receives messages from family members who visit their military loved one’s grave during the holidays and are comforted by the wreath on the headstone.

Sunbelt Rentals has been a platinum sponsor to Wreaths Across Canada. Above image: At last year’s wreath-laying ceremony.

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers have become an integral part of the yearly tradition.

“Our mission at Wreaths Across Canada would be impossible without our incredible volunteer network of allies. Their dedication, passion, and tireless efforts are the heartbeat of our organization. Together, we honour the legacy of veterans and their families, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten,” said Michelle Levesque, Wreaths Across Canada volunteer co-ordinator.

The organization is looking for volunteers to lay the wreaths, make bows, and unload the thousands of wreaths. Volunteers can be anyone, not only those with connections to the military and veteran community but also any Canadian, including students.

“We are profoundly grateful for their unwavering support and commitment. Their work honours the veterans and instills a sense of pride and remembrance in the younger generations. Through their selfless contributions, we can continue to fulfill Craig’s mission and create lasting tributes to our heroes,” added Levesque

On Nov. 17, 2022, in Petawawa at the Royal Canadian Legion, volunteers made over 750 bows in under three hours.

Bow Brigade: Making 5,500 Bows

This year, once again, Wreaths Across Canada is calling on people to be part of their bow brigade to handcraft bows for the wreaths.

“From coordinating events to placing wreaths on graves, our volunteers give their time and energy to make every commemoration meaningful and impactful. They help us educate the public about the importance of remembering and appreciating the bravery of those who served. Each volunteer, in their unique way, contributes to a collective effort that touches hearts and makes a difference in our communities,” noted Levesque.

The organization is looking for 53 people in the Ottawa and Petawawa areas to make 100 bows each. Wreaths Across Canada has a video created to show people how to make the bows and they are also supplying the bow-making kits, which include: ribbon, zip-ties and hooks.

In 2023 volunteers helped out unloading the wreaths, attaching the bows to the wreaths and laying the wreaths. Above image: volunteers attaching bows to the wreaths.

How & When to Volunteer

“There are so many ways to volunteer with us,” said Mills. “Our urgency is to ensure we have the 5,500 bows made because we are once again laying 12-inch balsam wreaths, we need larger bows. Our plan, once they are made, is to use them annually. Next year, we will replenish the ones that are unusable or lost.”

This year’s Wreaths Across Canada ceremony will be held on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 1:30 p.m. The ceremony will take place in Section 103 of the National Military Cemetery, with wreaths being laid there and Section 27 and then at Notre Dame Cemetery.

For people wishing to volunteer, the organization needs volunteers to:

unload wreaths at Beechwood in Section 103 and also move wreaths to Notre Dame: Nov. 29 starting at noon,
Bow Brigade Bonanza: in Ottawa at the National Capital Military Family Resource Centre at Uplands on Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
lay wreaths on Dec. 1 at 1:30 p.m. at Beechwood then Notre Dame.

Volunteers can reach the charity via Facebook, email, or their website. People who would like to sponsor a wreath can donate here. People can also follow the charity on LinkedIn, and Instagram.

UPDATED Nov. 28, 2024.