MNFSNM – Fort Snelling National Cemetery

The crisp December air carries a solemn weight at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, a place of enduring honor for Minnesotans and a final resting place for nearly 200,000 veterans. As the 2026 holiday season approaches, a renewed effort is underway to ensure each of those heroes is remembered with dignity and respect through the Wreaths Across America program. With 7,796 wreaths already sponsored toward a goal of 198,000, the community is invited to participate in this meaningful tradition, honoring the sacrifices made for our nation’s freedom.

What Happened

Wreaths Across America is a national program dedicated to honoring veterans by placing wreaths on their gravesites, a visual representation of remembrance and gratitude. The Fort Snelling location, https://wep3.org/waa/, is one of many participating cemeteries across the country, striving to “Remember the fallen… Honor those who serve… Teach our children the value of freedom.” The program’s goal at Fort Snelling is to place a wreath on every grave, a significant undertaking requiring community support and volunteer participation. The initiative aims not only to place wreaths but also to teach the next generation about the value of freedom and the sacrifices made by service members. Each volunteer will receive one wreath to lay on a veteran's grave, making this a community effort that brings together individuals from all walks of life. Registration is not mandatory but encouraged for those wishing to volunteer, ensuring they receive up-to-date information.

The 2026 Wreaths Across America ceremony at Fort Snelling National Cemetery is scheduled for December 19, 2026, beginning at 11:00 am (CST), followed immediately by wreath placement. The ceremony will be held at the main flagpole in front of the Visitors Center. Participants are asked to arrive early, allowing ample time for parking and preparation. The location coordinators for this year's event are Andrea Eichmann and Mark E. Petersen.

Beyond wreath sponsorship and volunteer participation, the program also welcomes donations to support the effort. MISSION BBQ locations nationwide are currently participating in the “American Heroes Cup Campaign,” donating a portion of sales to benefit locally interred servicemembers and their families, MISSION BBQ. Chevrolet continues its 12th consecutive year leading the nation’s longest veterans’ parade, honoring Gold and Blue Star families, veterans, and patriots along the East Coast.

Community Reaction

Personal Remembrances

The Wreaths Across America program resonates deeply within the community, as evidenced by the numerous personal messages shared on the “Remember Wall.” These heartfelt tributes offer poignant glimpses into the lives of those honored—a father remembered with a shared trait, a soldier never forgotten. One supporter wrote, “In Memory Of Tylor Johnson - 'T-Bone,' United States Military. Never forgotten!” Another shared, “In Memory Of Fred Waldon, United States Military, Born 10/24/50, Passed On 07/23/17. Dad we miss you so much! My son has your blue eyes.” These messages underscore the enduring impact of military service on families and the community's commitment to honoring their memory. The program provides a tangible way for families and neighbors to connect with the sacrifices made by those who served.

Logistics and Guidelines

Parking at Fort Snelling National Cemetery can be challenging, especially during the Wreaths Across America ceremony. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and utilize available parking along the sides of the road, ensuring adequate space for others. Handicap parking is designated along Mallon Road. Civil Air Patrol members will be present to assist those needing additional support. To ensure a respectful and orderly ceremony, attendees are asked to dress appropriately for inclement weather and adhere to specific guidelines: no horseplay, no smoking, and no pets are permitted. Wreaths may not be placed before the ceremony, and participants should follow the instructions of the location coordinators regarding placement techniques.

For those wishing to honor a specific veteran with a wreath, the National Gravesite Locator https://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/ can be used to obtain the necessary information. This data must then be entered on the Wreaths Across America donation page https://donate.wreathsacrossamerica.org/?pageId=34024&relatedId=16213&productId=116, ensuring all fields are completed to guarantee proper placement.

Supporting Organizations

The Wreaths Across America effort at Fort Snelling National Cemetery is bolstered by the support of local businesses and organizations. Sunbelt Rentals is a proud sponsor, encouraging community members to volunteer and participate in the event. BAE Systems, Inc. also contributes to the program, demonstrating a shared responsibility to honor and remember veterans. With 80 groups supporting the effort, the community’s commitment to this tradition is evident.

Katherine's Take

The Wreaths Across America program at Fort Snelling National Cemetery embodies the best of our community’s values: respect for service, remembrance of sacrifice, and a commitment to honoring our nation’s veterans. It’s heartening to see local businesses like Sunbelt Rentals and BAE Systems, Inc. step up as sponsors, demonstrating a shared responsibility to uphold these ideals. The personal messages shared on the “Remember Wall” are a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds between families and the military, and the profound impact of loss. As we approach 2026, it’s crucial for residents to consider how they can contribute – whether through sponsorship, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness – to ensure this vital tradition continues for generations to come. The challenges of parking and logistics highlight the growing popularity of the event, underscoring the need for careful planning and community cooperation. Let us all strive to create a space where every veteran is remembered with gratitude and reverence.

What's Next

With the 2026 ceremony still over a year away, there is ample opportunity for the community to contribute to the Wreaths Across America effort at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Residents are encouraged to visit the program’s website https://wep3.org/waa/ to sponsor a wreath, register as a volunteer, or simply learn more about the program. The ongoing support of local businesses and organizations is vital to the program’s success, and residents are encouraged to explore ways to contribute to these partnerships. The program serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of honoring our veterans and preserving the values they defended.

Beyond the immediate ceremony, the Wreaths Across America program fosters a year-round commitment to remembrance and education. By participating in this tradition, residents not only honor those who served but also instill in future generations an appreciation for the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms. The program’s emphasis on teaching children about the value of freedom is particularly important, ensuring that the lessons of history are passed down and the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten.

The Wreaths Across America program at Fort Snelling National Cemetery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of remembrance and gratitude within our community. By joining together in this meaningful tradition, we honor the sacrifices of those who served, teach our children the value of freedom, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as Americans.