Virginia

Home / News / U.S.

Pandemic halts Wreaths Across America event at Arlington National cemetery

By STARS AND STRIPES
Published: November 16, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in yet another cancellation, and this one affects one of the Washington, D.C. area's beloved holiday traditions.

Arlington National Cemetery announced Monday afternoon that it would not take part in this year's Wreaths Across America, a Maine-based charity event in which volunteers place Christmas wreaths on graves at cemeteries around the world. The Soldiers and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery is also affected. ... This year's Wreaths Across America event at Arlington had been scheduled for Dec. 19.

According to an ANC press release, "Following a thorough analysis of the annual Wreaths Across America Wreaths-In event this year, and in close collaboration with the Joint Task Force, National Capital Region, ANC determined that it could not implement sufficient controls to mitigate the risks associated with hosting an event of this size under current and forecasted infection and transmission rates, while still conducting a respectful and honorable public event.

"This decision applies only to Arlington National Cemetery and Soldiers and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery."

{snip}