National Nonprofit Wreaths Across America Announces New Theme for 2025

“Keep Moving Forward”

Carlsbad’s Daughters of the American Revolution chapter is a proud sponsor of Wreaths Across America (WAA), the national nonprofit whose year-long mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom. This year’s theme is “Keep Moving Forward.”

Each year, millions of volunteers and patriots gather in local, state, and national cemeteries across all 50 states and abroad to pay tribute to area service members and their families. Locally, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution chapter in Carlsbad gathered at Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1406 E Wood Ave.

Nationally, this year’s theme was inspired by the last words of Captain Joshua Byers, United States Army, KIA, in Fallujah, Iraq, July 23, 2003.

In 2024, the local DAR learned about 10 bouquets that make up a veteran’s wreath. WAA believes these 10 attributes or characteristics define our nation’s servicemembers—a symbol of honor, respect, and victory. This poem was initially written by the organization’s founder, Morrill Worcester, for Mary and Lloyd Byers, Gold Star parents of Capt. Byers. It is only fitting that the theme for 2025 should reflect this same spirit, a call to action for volunteers and supporters across the nation in the communities they serve.

Joshua Byers was the Company Commander of Fox Troop in the 2/3ACR service in Iraq in 2003 when an IED struck his Humvee. As the smoke filled the air, he gave his driver a last command: “…keep moving forward.” Though he didn’t make it home, this command saved lives and became a battle cry for his unit and 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.

“This year, we will share not only the Byers’ story of resilience but also the stories of many others who continue to live with purpose every day and have chosen to keep moving forward.”

National Wreaths Across America Day will be held this year on Saturday, December 13. The free event is open to all, and the organization encourages community members to participate by volunteering locally or sponsoring a wreath for an American hero.

Locally, the DAR is working hard to make this event great. The High School choir has volunteered to sing at the ceremony, and the local chapter will document stories to share during the ceremony if anyone has one. The local direct link to fundraising/location for this event is www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NM0105P.

In 2024, over three million sponsored veterans’ wreaths were placed by volunteers on headstones at 4,909 participating locations worldwide. Wreaths Across America volunteers tirelessly work year-round to remember, honor, and teach, with each name spoken out loud in grateful acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by American veterans for the nation’s freedoms.

To follow the impactful stories of volunteers and supporters living with purpose throughout the year, use the hashtag #KeepMovingForward. Then tune in to Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeartRadio app, TuneIn, and the Audacy app, or listen at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio.

For more information, please visit www.wreathsacrossameric.org/ NM0105P.

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, which was begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s yearling mission—Remember, Honor, Teach—is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December in communities in all 50 states and beyond.

For more information or to sponsor a wreath, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ NM0105P.