Idaho Veterans’ Graves Will Be Honored Despite The Pandemic

The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery is always part of the annual Wreaths Across America event which honors veterans that we've lost, but big changes are part of the plan this year.  

For almost thirty years now, volunteers have helped lay wreaths on the graves of veterans across the US every December as part of Wreaths Across America, and volunteers in the Treasure Valley have always been quick to step up and be part of it.

The ceremony at Washington DC's Arlington National Ceremony coincides with one at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise and sponsors pay for each evergreen wreath that decorates a gravesite.  There are 4,290 gravesites in Boise alone, so it takes a huge effort to make it all happen!

The annual event is happening on December 19th, 2020 and it's on as scheduled, but there are things we can do now to help our Boise cemetery reach its goal.  At last check, our Idaho State Veterans Cemetery had about 1870 wreaths sponsored, on its way to the goal of having all 4,290 gravesites decorated.  There are thousands of graves that won't be honored unless we step up.

Wreaths Across America will be at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery this December to remember veterans and say their names out loud.  Now is the time to sponsor a wreath for $15, or volunteer to be part of the wreath-laying ceremony.

As a national organization, Wreaths Across America is making use of text-to-donate features, virtual 5Ks, and the mobile educational exhibit that travels around the country and helps spotlight efforts to give gravesites the yearly spotlight.  The pandemic isn't going to stop the effort, but it is forcing changes in the way veterans are honored.  Volunteers will probably be wearing masks while they are laying the wreaths, for the first time ever.

You can text WREATH22 to 20222 to sponsor a wreath for Arlington National Cemetery right from your phone.  Or purchase a wreath for the Boise cemetery.

Idaho State Veterans Cemetery at 10100 Horseshoe Bend Road, Boise, ID 83714.