At the 2024-2025 national Junior meetings, Juniors and young Sons of The American Legion participants learned more about Wreaths Across America. The national ALA’s partnership with WAA began in August 2023 when the two organizations joined forces to build a stronger awareness of each group’s common missions while supporting fundraising efforts nationwide. 
 
The young members made miniature wreaths to take home and use as talking points about WAA. They also watched a video on how the wreaths are made and the meaning behind each piece. 
 
Ten balsam bouquets make up each veteran’s wreath, representing the 10 special qualities our veterans embody: 

1. Their belief in a greater good.
2. Their love for each other. 
3. Their strength, work ethic, and character.
4. Their honesty and integrity.
5. Their humility, selflessness, and modesty.
6. Their ambitions and aspirations. 
7. Their optimism for America.
8. Their concern for the future.
9. Their pride in their duties.
10. Their hopes and dreams that didn’t always come true, but left them with no regrets. 
 
Ready to make your own wreath? 
 
SUPPLIES:

• Pine garland, 12”-18” length (Amazon has precut 14”)
• 3/8” width red velvet ribbon, cut to a 12-18” length

STEPS: 
1. Bend the garland into a circle and twist the ends to secure it.
2. Take one ribbon, loop around the wreath, and knot the ends together to make a hanger.
3. Take the second ribbon and tie a bow around the wreath.