The holidays can be a particularly challenging time for military families grieving the loss of a loved one, whether the pain is recent or a sorrow carried over the years.

This weekend, Wreaths Across America (WAA) will host a special ceremony at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery to honor and remember those who served.

The ceremony, part of a nationwide effort to pay tribute to veterans, will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. at the cemetery, located at 5525 U.S. Highway 1.

The ceremony, part of a nationwide effort to pay tribute to veterans, will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. at the cemetery, located at 5525 U.S. Highway 1.

“During this heartfelt event, every branch of the military will be represented by active duty and retired personnel who will pay tribute by placing a service wreath on the graves of our beloved veterans,” said Bette Nelson, WAA location coordinator. “A poignant addition to the ceremony will be the presence of a POW/MIA wreath bearer, reminding us of those who are still missing in action.”

WAA conducts ceremonies at more than 4,700 locations worldwide each December, emphasizing its mission to “Honor, Remember, and Teach.” Throughout the year, the organization campaigns for donations to ensure every veteran’s grave is adorned with a wreath.

This year, Cape Canaveral National Cemetery has received 10,500 donated wreaths. Retired Rear Admiral Justice is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, reflecting on the impact of WAA’s mission and the sacrifices of veterans.

As part of the event, volunteers are encouraged to lay wreaths at each gravesite. This year, families are invited to place wreaths on their loved ones’ graves before the main ceremony begins. Families can visit the cemetery on Friday, Dec. 13, from 4 to 5:15 p.m., Saturday morning from 8 to 10 a.m., or immediately after the ceremony.

Nelson, an Air Force veteran stationed at Patrick Space Force Base, has coordinated the Cape Canaveral event since 2018. She emphasized the importance of the annual ceremony as the cemetery continues to grow. “Our commitment to honoring our veterans remains unwavering, especially as the National Cemetery continues to grow each year, prompting us to seek donations throughout the year,” Nelson said.

Deputy Location Coordinator Donn Weaver shared his personal connection to WAA’s mission. “The Wreaths Across America program is very special to me,” said Weaver. “My son and my dad are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. I don’t have a chance usually to place that wreath, but by being involved here, I can remember my son who was killed in combat in Afghanistan, as well as my father and all the veterans who created and maintained this country.”

Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, which spans 318 acres, adds over 2,000 grave sites each year and is projected to serve the burial needs of more than 163,000 veterans over the next century.

For more information on the ceremony or to contribute to Wreaths Across America’s mission, visit wreathsacrossamericacapecanaveral.com.