Christmas Honors has confirmed the dates for its 17th annual wreath-laying event at Fort Smith National Cemetery. This year’s activities will take place over two days, starting with a wreath assembly workshop on December 5, 2025, at the Fort Smith Convention Center from 08:00 to 14:00. The workshop aims to prepare wreaths for placement on the graves of veterans, and organizers are seeking volunteers, trucks, and trailers to assist in the transportation of wreaths to the cemetery.
The main wreath-laying event will occur on December 6, 2025. Family members will have an opportunity from 08:00 to 10:30 to place wreaths on the graves of their loved ones. A public ceremony will follow at 11:00 at the pavilion, with the public wreath-laying beginning around 11:30.
After the event, wreath pickup is scheduled for January 7, 2026, at the cemetery, and the pack-up will take place on January 8, 2026, at the convention center. These activities are vital for the continuation of the Christmas Honors program, which has evolved significantly since its inception.
The initiative began in 2009, when wreaths were placed on approximately 12,000 graves. Today, more than 16,000 headstones are honored each year, reflecting the growing community support for the program. Organizers emphasize that the success of Christmas Honors relies heavily on volunteer efforts and donations from the public.
For more information about participating in the event or making a contribution, interested individuals can visit the official website at www.christmashonors.org. The event not only commemorates the sacrifices of veterans but also fosters a sense of community and remembrance among participants.
